Am I the only one who feels sick after seeing everyone else's perfect lives?

That gut-wrenching feeling after scrolling through curated highlight reels is a common experience. It's a natural reaction when comparing your own reality to an idealized, often incomplete, version of others' lives. This comparison trap can deeply affect how you feel about your own circumstances and progress.

Research from the University of Pennsylvania suggests that limiting social media use to 30 minutes a day can lead to significant reductions in feelings of loneliness and depression.

See other perspectives

Does everyone feel sick after seeing everyone else's perfect lives?

Does Everyone?

Is it normal to feel sick after seeing everyone else's perfect lives?

Is It Normal?

Is it weird to feel sick after seeing everyone else's perfect lives?

Is It Weird?

Why do I feel sick after seeing everyone else's perfect lives?

Why Do I?

Real stories from the community

Supposed to be all deep dives into post-colonial theory, or whatever fancy words they use to describe, you know, people getting screwed over. …

doom scrolling shame

You’re just existing, doing your thing, and then suddenly you're hit with the raw, embarrassing truth of yourself. …

doom scrolling shame

I remember the smell of my grandma's house, like old wood polish and something vaguely sweet, cinnamon maybe. …

doom scrolling shame

But today, no, today I decided to spend the whole fucking break watching compilations of road rage incidents on YouTube. …

doom scrolling shame

And I’m just looking at these perfect squares, these… curated lives. …

doom scrolling shame

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I feel so bad when I look at social media?▾
Social media often presents an unrealistic view of life, focusing on successes and filtered moments. When you compare your everyday experiences to these polished presentations, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy or sadness.
Is it normal to compare myself to others online?▾
Yes, it's a very common human tendency to compare ourselves to others, especially when constantly exposed to their achievements and seemingly ideal situations online. This doesn't mean it's a helpful habit, but it's certainly widespread.
How can I stop feeling jealous of other people's online posts?▾
Consider consciously limiting your exposure to content that triggers these feelings. Focusing on your own progress and real-life connections, rather than online comparisons, can help shift your perspective.

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