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

It's a common and understandable reaction when constantly exposed to curated highlight reels. Comparing your own reality to seemingly flawless online portrayals can naturally trigger feelings of inadequacy or discomfort. This isn't a strange response; it's a very human one to an often unrealistic digital environment.

Research from the University of Pennsylvania found that limiting social media use to 30 minutes per day significantly decreased feelings of loneliness and depression among participants.

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

Is It Normal?

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 does seeing 'perfect' lives make me feel bad?▾
Our brains are wired to compare, and when we see carefully edited snapshots of others' happiness, success, or beauty, it's easy to assume that our own lives fall short. This creates a disconnect between perception and reality, leading to negative feelings.
How can I stop comparing myself to others on social media?▾
Try to remember that what you see online is only a small, often idealized, fraction of someone's life. Focusing on your own progress and real-world connections, rather than digital comparisons, can help shift your perspective. Consider taking breaks from platforms that consistently make you feel unwell.
Is it unhealthy to spend a lot of time on social media?▾
For many people, excessive time on social media, especially when it involves constant comparison, can be detrimental to mood and overall well-being. If you find yourself consistently feeling down after scrolling, it might be beneficial to re-evaluate your usage patterns.

Have your own experience to share?

Share Your Story