Social media & Comparison Culture

In the digital age, Theodore Roosevelt's famous adage, "Comparison is the thief of joy," resonates more than ever.

If you spend more than 7-8 hours of your time on social media without a business or a personal brand, it's a challenging situation.

I have been an active social media user and used it daily, but I’ve come to realize that 90% of social media is fake or highly curated.

From the snapchat filters, to seeing friends vacationing in exotic locations, influencers flaunting perfect bodies, Freelancers making millions and people celebrating career milestones.

Earlier it used to be just one "Sharma ji ka beta" but now there are so many of them, you come across someone's profile and end up stalking them for hours without having zero idea about them- their lifestyle or their real life stories.

You only get to know the highlighted part; the most filtered one on social media.

The question is why social media is heavily critiqued yet popular among the young adults?

You have the answers- if you prefer binge watching Netflix over taking a walk, if you no longer engage in debates and discussions in real life, if you get influenced very easily.

I am astonished to see how this debate on social media is never ending.

It is mandatory to realise that "your attention is their currency"(Influencers and Celebs) you have the choice to pay heed only to the aspect of social media that interests you.

There's a side of social media that engages for entertainment and then there's a side that engages for information.

It is quite alarming that there's also a side of social media heavily relies on external validation of likes, comments and shares.

I thought perhaps it's just me getting influenced and feeling unsuitable for this social media world, but I read about it and I realised it's not just me, it's the story of so many people like me.

People like me are suffering with self-esteem, anxiety and to some extent of depression as well because of heavy use of social media.

The statistics says:

The Latest Social Media Self Esteem Statistics Explained. 60% of people using social media reported that it has impacted their self-esteem.        

Read here GenZ might be the cool generation but the statistics; No. It's not cool.

Some of my friends have been active on social media for over a decade now.

The only difference is they were active on Facebook and now they're active on Instagram.

I am not going to share tips & trips that chat Gpt can easily provide you. I am going to talk about the real life experiences:

People like me are struggling with self-esteem, anxiety, and even bouts of depression due to heavy use of social media. The constant exposure to seemingly perfect lives and achievements creates a relentless pressure to measure up.

Every time I scroll through Instagram, I find myself comparing my own life, looks, and accomplishments to those of others, often feeling inadequate in the process.

It's not just about seeing friends on exotic vacations or influencers flaunting idealized lifestyles; it's the daily, subtle comparisons that chip away at my confidence. The number of likes, comments, and followers become a yardstick for self-worth, leading to a perpetual state of dissatisfaction.

Meanwhile, I have friends who rarely engage with social media, and they seem to be thriving. They stay informed about current events without being glued to their screens and focus more on real-life experiences.

When I talk to them, I notice they have a healthier perspective on life. They do not ghost me. They’re not concerned with curating a perfect online persona. Instead, they invest in their inner well-being and personal growth.

These friends don't spend time worrying about how they look in photos or how their lives compare to others.

They are more present, more engaged with their own journeys, and less affected by the superficial standards often perpetuated online. This allows them to build genuine self-esteem based on real achievements and personal values, rather than social media validation.

It's clear that reducing social media consumption can significantly improve mental health and overall happiness. By focusing more on real-life connections and less on virtual approval, we can reclaim our joy and build a more authentic sense of self. Perhaps become the next "Sharma ji ka beti/beta" In real life.

From last 2 months, I have seen significant improvement in myself

• I reduced from screen time from 9 hours to just 2 hours a day, and sometimes I barely touch my phone at all.
• This reduction has freed me from the constant influence of algorithms, allowing me to switch from short-form to long-form content that truly interests me.
• I am focusing on my journey and I no longer seek Instant Gratification.
• As a result, I can concentrate better, feel less anxious, and am more productive. This shift has helped me focus on my personal growth and inner well-being rather than constant comparison.

If you've experienced this firsthand and understand what it's like, please share your stories.

Thank you for reading.