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

It's incredibly common to feel a pang of unease, or even a deep sense of inadequacy, when scrolling through curated online lives. This reaction often stems from comparing our complex realities to idealized snapshots, forgetting that everyone faces challenges behind the scenes. Our minds are wired to seek out potential threats or deficiencies, and social media can inadvertently trigger these comparison traps.

Research from the University of Pennsylvania suggests that limiting social media use to 30 minutes per day can significantly decrease feelings of loneliness and depression.

See other perspectives

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

Am I the Only One?

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 bad after looking at social media?▾
Social media often presents highly filtered and edited versions of reality, leading to an unconscious comparison with our own everyday experiences. This can create a sense of falling short, even when we logically know what we're seeing isn't the full picture.
How can I stop comparing my life to others?▾
Focusing on your own progress and accomplishments, no matter how small, can help shift your perspective. Limiting your exposure to content that triggers these feelings and intentionally seeking out diverse perspectives can also be beneficial.
Is it normal to feel jealous of online lives?▾
Yes, experiencing jealousy is a very human emotion, especially when exposed to what appears to be effortless success or happiness. It's often a sign that you're noticing something you desire for yourself, rather than a failing on your part.

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