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Social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are effective tools for networking, self-promotion, and sharing achievements in today's hyper-connected society.
We all use them, so you know what I mean.
These platforms have become an essential component of the personal and professional identities of the generations that utilize them.
Social media presents a concerning phenomenon: social comparison, or what is commonly referred to as "envy," even though it also presents chances for development and connection.
Especially for young professionals attempting to find a place in a competitive workforce, LinkedIn envy has grown to be a serious problem.
At the same time, Instagram, which focuses on visual storytelling, has increased feelings of inadequacy as people upload curated photographs of their “perfect lives.”
I’m sure you’ve all observed this by now.
This envy, when left unchecked, can be mentally taxing and self-sabotaging.
But it may also be a strong source of motivation if handled well.
So how can we strike a balance between feeling inspired and insecure?
Furthermore, is it time for people to start avoiding these platforms?
To put it simply, I utilize LinkedIn, and naturally, I advertise my brands and businesses there. Primarily, I've noticed that a diverse range of generations use the platform.
LinkedIn has evolved into a platform for personal branding after first being thought of as a professional networking and career-updating tool.
Users frequently share their achievements, entrepreneurial milestones, promotions, and new job opportunities.
It's easy for people who are just starting out in their professions to feel envious as they look through the feeds of colleagues who seem to be one step ahead of them in announcing successes, landing dream positions, or landing outstanding internships.
These frequent updates can cause feelings of inadequacy for members of Generation Z, which includes my son, who frequently find themselves at the intersection of ambition and uncertainty.
Because it fosters rivalry for success, whether perceived or genuine, the comparison game on LinkedIn is especially harmful.
Even if you're progressing at your own pace, it's easy to feel behind when someone shares a fantastic career opportunity, a new ability, or a successful project launch.
The visibility of success stories in real time exacerbates the idea of "LinkedIn envy."
A skewed view of success results from the platform's algorithms favoring posts from users who highlight their career successes.
These posts may cause Gen Z users to experience FOMO, or feelings of inadequacy.
According to the social comparison theory, people evaluate their own value in relation to others, which can make LinkedIn a haven for resentment and self-doubt.
However, this isn't limited to Gen Z; it also applies to earlier generations.
In contrast to Gen Z, the effects of social media are quite different for Gen Xers, to whom I belong, or even older people.
When our generations were growing up, traditional means of communication—like in-person meetings, phone conversations, and even letters—were more prevalent.
I recall using a short cord to call a girl on the phone in the apartment hallway, which allowed everyone in the home to hear what you were saying.
However, our age has seen both benefits and drawbacks from the introduction of social media.
Even though many Gen Xers and Boomers have adapted to digital platforms, these generations nevertheless face particular difficulties, such as competition on LinkedIn and pressure to be flawless on Instagram.
Apart from envy on LinkedIn, social comparison can also occur on Instagram and other networks.
Instagram's visual format frequently results in the creation of idealized life stories, showcasing only the most spectacular moments and far-flung excursions.
Viewers may believe that their lives don't compare to these "movies."
The pressure to project an Instagram-perfect life can be too much for Gen Z, who were brought up surrounded by digital culture.
It's simple to feel as though your personal experiences are less thrilling or lacking when you look through posts of friends celebrating accomplishments, going on vacation, or attending glitzy events.
"Instagram envy," which may be just as harmful as LinkedIn envy, is cultivated by this selective outlook on life. Users continuously aim for unachievable perfection and contrast their behind-the-scenes experiences with others' highlights, leading to a distorted picture of reality.
Social media generally elicits feelings of inferiority and jealousy that transcend generational boundaries. Humans have a natural desire to compare themselves to others, and the layout of social media sites like Instagram and LinkedIn encourages users to showcase their greatest personal and professional traits.
That does not imply, however, that just one group experiences the jealousy or self-doubt that results from these comparisons.
The following factors may affect people of all ages:
Social media frequently propagates irrational expectations regarding lifestyle choices and professional accomplishments. It's simple to overlook the difficulties or setbacks that go on behind the scenes when we witness people sharing their successes on social media. People experience a warped view of reality as a result, believing that they are falling short of others.
Studies have indicated that excessive social media use might result in detrimental effects on mental health, including loneliness, depression, and anxiety. This holds true for all generations, including Gen Z, baby boomers, and millennials.
Feelings of inadequacy, or the belief that your life isn't appropriate for you, might arise from being inundated with tales of other people's success, glitzy vacations, and ideal families.
Social media can cause worry, low self-esteem, and self-doubt, particularly if it seems like someone in your social circle is accomplishing goals that seem unattainable.
Another prevalent emotion that social media frequently exacerbates is FOMO. A continual barrage of social media updates can exacerbate feelings of exclusion or underliving, whether it's from missing out on a social event, a professional chance, or just the "perfect" lifestyle.
Even if one is in a favourable situation, this can cause discontent with their own life or profession.
Although envy can be a bad feeling, it can also serve as a source of inspiration. Many people use what they see on social media as motivation to perform better or strive for comparable achievements rather than giving in to feelings of inferiority.
After witnessing a friend get their ideal career or take an exciting trip, some people could feel inspired to put in more effort.
This incentive, nevertheless, has the potential to degenerate into stress, burnout, or unhealthy competition if improperly handled.
Another major problem with social media is the development of echo chambers, where we surround ourselves with people who think, act, and live similarly to us.
This may initially seem reassuring, but if we compare ourselves to a limited group of people on a regular basis, it can also lead to increased feelings of inadequacy.
This is particularly true when you follow reports that promote unrealistic ideals of success, wealth, or beauty.
Some users are starting to reconsider their relationship with social media sites like Instagram and LinkedIn because of increased knowledge of the detrimental effects of social media on mental health.
According to an American Psychological Association assessment, excessive social media use can exacerbate stress, anxiety, and despair. (In brief: Limiting social media boosts mental health, the negatives of body positivity, and more research. (apa.org))
To counteract these emotions, many users—particularly members of Generation Z—have cut back on their social media usage, unfollowed accounts that make them feel envious, or even deleted their accounts completely.
Some people are reconsidering their usage of social media, while others may choose to stop using it completely.
A trend toward a more genuine portrayal of professional life is beginning to emerge on LinkedIn. In an effort to demystify achievement and present a more realistic image of professional development, some users are beginning to discuss their challenges, setbacks, and lessons learned along the route rather than only showcasing their career highlights.
This vulnerability-driven action may lessen the stress brought on by LinkedIn envy.
Instagram users are becoming more conscious of the harm that the appearance of a "perfect life" can cause. People are starting to accept the messy, flawed parts of life and the value of authenticity over perfection, according to the growth of movements like #NoFilter and #RealLife.
The popularity of less polished video on platforms like TikTok is also a reflection of people's rising preference for authenticity over an idealized image.
This change in perspective implies that some Gen Zers are rethinking their use of social media rather than abandoning it altogether.
So...
It takes deliberate work to control the emotional influence of social media, regardless of generation.
We can learn to be conscious of our emotions and work toward changing them.
Everyone has a different schedule for success, and it is a personal experience. Try to reframe success as a process rather than a final goal. Instead of comparing yourself to others, concentrate on your own journey, objectives, and successes.
Regardless of where others are, acknowledge your own progress.
Establishing boundaries can help limit the negative impacts of social media use. This can be as easy as establishing daily boundaries, avoiding social media during specific hours of the day (such as right before bed), or declaring some days to be "no social media."
It's important to prioritize authenticity above perfection, regardless of your user history. Share your successes as well as your setbacks. Vulnerability may foster a more honest and encouraging community where individuals can establish deeper connections.
Put cooperation before competition. Social media provides a forum for interacting with people who have similar beliefs and aspirations. Try to establish connections, give each other advice, and encourage one another rather than feeling intimidated by other people's achievements.
No generation is exempt from envy, regardless of whether it is sparked by Instagram or LinkedIn. People of all ages, from Baby Boomers to Gen Z, are impacted.
But if we have the correct attitude, we can all use jealousy as inspiration, concentrate on our individual journeys, and develop a more positive connection with social media.
No matter our age, we can manage the pressures of social media and create a more encouraging, supportive digital environment for ourselves and others by embracing honesty, cultivating thankfulness, and emphasizing teamwork over competitive.
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