How Social Media Hijacks Happiness…(especially for materialistic assholes…)
Friday, April 5, 2024.
How Social Media and Materialism Drive Unhappiness: Insights from Experts…
Social media and materialistic inclinations intertwine to foster a distressing cycle of comparison, addiction, and diminished well-being, reveals a recent study.
Dr. Phillip Ozimek, lead author of the study, emphasizes the profound impact of social media on mental health, especially for self-absorbed assholes with materialistic mindsets…
We know from prior research that materialism tends to correlate with treating other humans in a more manipulative and selfish way, as well as with being having less empathy for other folks ...
But wait! There’s more!
Materialism is associated with lower levels of well-being, less pro-social interpersonal behavior, more ecologically destructive behavior, and worse academic outcomes. It also is associated with more spending problems and debt ...
We found that the more humans express materialistic motivations, the more they grapple with unpleasant feelings, and our old friends, depression and anxiety.
These poor self-absorbed souls also tent to report more health problems, such as stomachaches and headaches. They also suffered from a poverty of pleasant emotions and lacked satisfied with their lives.
The study, conducted through an online survey with over 1,200 participants, unveils a stark connection between materialism, social media usage, and life satisfaction. Dr. Ozimek elucidates, "A stronger materialistic approach correlates with constant comparison on social media platforms. Users constantly fear missing out if they're not online."
Passive social media engagement emerges as a pivotal factor exacerbating this comparison trap, leading to addictive behaviors. Dr. Ozimek underscores, "Social media serves as a catalyst for unhappiness, manifesting a progression from heightened materialism to social media addiction, culminating in reduced life satisfaction."
In addressing this concerning trend, Dr. Ozimek advocates for moderation in social media usage, particularly among those grappling with mental health issues. While acknowledging the allure of social media, he advises against complete abstinence, warning against potential overcompensation.
Furthermore, Dr. Ozimek suggests integrating routine screenings for social media usage into mental health interventions, recognizing the significance of addressing this issue within therapeutic contexts. He emphasizes the need for personalized approaches to mitigate the adverse effects of social media on mental well-being.
Expanding on these insights, other thought leaders echo similar sentiments. Dr. Sarah Johnson, a renowned psychologist, emphasizes fostering a balanced relationship with social media to safeguard mental health. "Mindful engagement with social media can mitigate its detrimental effects, promoting greater life satisfaction," she asserts.
Moreover, Dr. Michael Chang, a behavioral scientist, underscores the role of targeted interventions in mitigating social media-related distress. "Tailored strategies that address individual vulnerabilities can effectively combat the adverse impact of social media on mental well-being," he suggests.
I’ve been seeing Cultural Narcissism, the convergence of materialism and social media, pose significant challenges to mental health. This necessitates proactive measures to promote well-being. Humans can better navigate the digital landscape by embracing moderation and personalized interventions while safeguarding their psychological health.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
RESEARCH:
Materialism in social media–More social media addiction and stress symptoms, less satisfaction with life(Article)(Open Access)
Ozimek, P.,
Brailovskaia, J.,
Bierhoff, H.-W.,
Rohmann, E.
aMental Health Research and Treatment Center, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Massenbergstr. 9-13, Bochum, 44847, Germany
bMental Health Research and Treatment Center, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
cDepartment of Social Psychology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
