Ever scrolled through Instagram or WhatsApp and suddenly felt like your life isn't enough?
Well, rest assured you're not alone. It's the fear of missing out that has most of us hooked, and with the advent of the Internet, it has grown exponentially. This is basically the first step in a quiet game of social signals and silent envy, which will lead to eventual downfall. This hit me hard after reading an interesting blog by Dharmesh Ba, where he said that Indian users now currently spend over 4 hours a day on their phones which is almost an hour more than the global average. Sadly, much of it is spent consuming other people's lives rather than learning something new.
So it's no surprise when a cousin posts their new apartment, suddenly your dad's talking investments. Or a friend shares a vacation picture, your partner wants a weekend away.
You may ask Why?
Because of the social comparison theory, psychologist Leon Festinger said, We judge how well we're doing in life by comparing ourselves to others around us. In the past, that used to mean your friends, neighbours, or co-workers. Now, it's everyone, everywhere, all the time as the Internet gives you access to the whole world in your hands.
Each post is a highlight reel for others. While your reality, in comparison, feels like you're falling behind with not just your neighbours but with the entire world in itself. Even though you are not.
Congratulations @arunava!
You raised your level and are now a Minnow!
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