Whose Standard of Living Are We Using? Exploring Medical Perspectives and Religious Texts
The phenomenon of envying others’ seemingly perfect lives has become widespread among social media users. According to the 2026 digital research report by We Are Social and Meltwater, there are approximately 180 million active social media users in Indonesia, equivalent to 62.9% of the total population. The rampant use of these platforms influences mindsets, often mirroring the content that appears in algorithms. Seeing other people’s achievements frequently triggers a desire for the same and leads to comparisons with one’s own circumstances. In some cases, individuals even engage in consumptive behaviour or fall into debt to appear equal. Beyond material wealth, physical comparisons can also take a toll on mental health. Data from the Ministry of Health’s national mental health screening indicates that mental health issues remain a significant concern in Indonesia, with various studies discussing digital exposure and comparison culture as contributing factors.
In the field of neuroscience, research shows that constantly feeling inferior when viewing others’ accomplishments can trigger a stress response in the body. If this becomes chronic, it can affect sleep quality and even disrupt metabolism and the immune system. A Stanford University psychiatrist, Dr. Anna Lembke, in her book Dopamine Nation, links social media to the brain’s reward system involving dopamine. When a person continuously seeks validation and compares themselves digitally, it can make them perpetually dissatisfied with their own life. This often leads to a mistaken understanding of happiness, a risk of being less grateful for the blessings given by Allah, and an excessive sensitivity to the judgement of others.
As Muslims, we can reflect on Allah’s command in Surah Thaha, verse 131, which advises us not to fix our gaze on the worldly splendour given to others, as it is merely a test, and that the provision from God is better and more lasting. This verse encourages us to guard our vision against what others possess and to trust that every person’s sustenance and trials are measured with perfect justice. Our task is to stop using social media as a yardstick for happiness and to always prioritise qana’ah, or contentment, and gratitude for what we currently have. Instead of being preoccupied with comparing worldly achievements, the Prophet Muhammad, in a hadith narrated by Bukhari and Muslim, advised us to look to those below us in worldly matters and to those above us in matters of faith and the hereafter. This teaching redirects our energy towards a healthier competition, namely racing to do good deeds. It is crucial to realise that digital posts only display the best fragments of a person’s life; we see the final result but not the struggle and process behind it. Therefore, Islam teaches that a believer’s standard of happiness should not be placed on a digital screen, but rather on the gratitude in our hearts for the best blessings Allah has given and a focus on our own efforts without needing validation from the achievements of others.