There is a growing trend where some younger people possess greater wealth and a higher quality of life, yet they are not as happy as expected. While this can be largely attributed to the social comparison culture, I believe that the problem can be effectively addressed by developing a stronger behavioral self-control system.
One major factor contributing to declining life satisfaction among young people lies in the rise of digital culture. With more young people consuming instant-gratification content, unrealistic lifestyle standards, highlight reels of other people’s lives on social media platforms, and increasing the level of comparative thinking patterns, millions of young people develop a habit of social comparison, causing a distorted perception of reality. The implications are not confined to worsening self-image but also extend to increasing perceived inequality, ultimately leading to emotional fatigue. This is exemplified by Tashkent, where many teenagers use social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, on which people rarely display ordinary life. As a result, more young people who live in Tashkent compare their lives with those of social media influencers, which could further exacerbate their dissatisfaction. Therefore, constant social comparison culture can be one of the root causes of reduced satisfaction from life.
To combat this issue effectively, it is imperative for governments to take decisive action by establishing structured digital boundaries. When young people adopt digital detox routines and screen time limitation strategies, such as offline hobbies and mindful technology use, are built, many young people are more likely to attend community engagement projects such as camps, thereby developing a balanced lifestyle framework. A perfect case in point is England, where the government prohibited some social media platforms for people under the age of sixteen. Consequently, more young people are encouraged to take part in community programmes, which not only improves their social engagement but also helps them to develop a stronger sense of identity. In this regard, implementing such structured offline engagement measures will successfully tackle the root causes of psychological distress.
In conclusion, curated lifestyle exposure on social media is the primary reason why young people feel dissatisfied with their lives. However, implementing a behavioral self-control system can successfully resolve this issue.