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

Many people experience a physical and emotional slump after prolonged exposure to curated online content. Comparing your reality to seemingly flawless portrayals can trigger feelings of inadequacy and even nausea. This reaction is a natural, albeit uncomfortable, response to perceived social pressure and unrealistic expectations.

Research from the University of Pennsylvania found that limiting social media use to 30 minutes a day significantly decreased 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?

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

Does Everyone?

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. …

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

doom scrolling shame

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does social media make me feel physically unwell?▾
Constant exposure to idealized lives can create a cognitive dissonance, where your brain struggles to reconcile your reality with what you see online. This mental strain can manifest as physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or an upset stomach due to stress.
What's the link between comparison and feeling sick?▾
When you compare your life to others' seemingly perfect ones, your brain can interpret this as a threat or a deficit. This triggers a stress response, releasing hormones that can impact your digestive system and overall physical well-being, leading to feelings of sickness.
How can I stop feeling bad after seeing perfect lives online?▾
Reducing your time on platforms that trigger these feelings can help. Focus on real-life connections and activities that bring you genuine satisfaction. Remember that online portrayals are often highly edited and don't reflect the full picture of anyone's life.

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