Experts spoke about the influence of social networks on increasing feelings of envy
Perfect photos, success stories, and demonstrations of a luxurious life on social media can cause users to feel envy and inferiority, anxiety, and fear of missing out. All the details are in the Izvestia article.
Psychological causes of envy
Natalia Birina, a psychiatrist and a doctor of the highest qualification category, explained that social networks broadcast only successes and ideal relationships, hiding real difficulties. In addition, when compared with vivid images, distortion occurs, which makes one's own life seem gray, which provokes envy and a sense of inferiority. The causes of such conditions are low self-esteem, jealousy and social inequality.
"The poor have always envied the rich, hence the demands to 'divide equally,'" Birina said.
The FOMO phenomenon
A direct consequence of the evolutionary fear of rejection is FOMO, the fear of missing an interesting event. So, constantly checking the news feed is an attempt to make sure of your own importance, but this only fuels anxiety.
"At the moment of envy (annoyance, injustice), the psyche makes a choice: constructive (development) or destructive (destruction). Envy lives on three levels: in consciousness (awareness of "inferiority"), in emotions (irritation, rage) and in making it a reality," Birina said.
Trends of sincerity
Nikita Prokhorov, marketer, co-owner and executive director of the Sidorin Lab reputation management agency, noted that platforms retain users precisely through emotions of anxiety and envy. Algorithms automatically promote content with a demonstration of luxurious life and achievements, as the audience reacts to it more actively. Using likes and stories turns comparing yourself to others into a permanent user scenario.
"The ethical line runs where content ceases to inspire and begins to deliberately play on the anxiety and complexes of the audience for the sake of sales or reach," Nikita Prokhorov emphasized.
The expert added that lately users have started to get tired of the perfect picture. In 2026, honest and imperfect content is becoming an advantage, devoid of a constant demonstration of wealth and productivity. Sincerity is becoming a new deficit and a sought-after direction in communications.
Ways to deal with anxiety
To minimize the negative impact of social media, the psychiatrist recommends setting personal goals and realistically evaluating the work required for success. It is important to notice your efforts and thank yourself for the work you have done. Also, "rejoicing" is considered an effective practice — the ability to perceive someone else's success as an incentive for one's own development.
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