3 min learnNew DelhiMar 22, 2026 02:55 PM IST
On a current episode of the Raj Shamani Podcast, Suniel Shetty mirrored on how social media has quietly reshaped our concept of happiness, turning it into one thing to be displayed quite than skilled.
He shared on the podcast, “We imagine that in social media apne aap ko khus dekhnae ke liye humko ye ye karne ke zaroorat hai. Lekin sachhai mei woh nahi hai. Most important humesha kehta hu khush rehne ke liye ghar me dal chawal achar aur mother dad spouse kids round, and it’s bliss. However khush dikhne ke liye sahi restaurant chahiye, uska picture chahiye…aur jab khaane lagte ho khaana thanda hai…khush dihkane ke liye papad belne padte hein, khush rehne ke liye kuch zyada nahi karna padtha.”
His commentary displays a bigger psychological shift. Based on Dr Pavitra Shankar, “social media platforms act like a stage the place folks current an edited model of their lives.” Over time, she explains, exterior validation, likes, feedback, shares get tied to self-worth, making happiness really feel like one thing that should be carried out.
DISCLAIMER: This text relies on data from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to.
The psychological well being value of performative happiness
Continuously projecting happiness on-line can create a disconnect between actual feelings and the persona one maintains. “When people suppress their genuine emotions to guard a web based picture, it will probably result in emotional exhaustion, nervousness, and even depressive signs,” says Dr Shankar.
She additionally factors to the “comparability lure,” the place customers measure their lives in opposition to curated variations of others. “Individuals start to imagine that others are happier than they’re, which reduces their very own life satisfaction,” she notes. Over time, this perceived hole can chip away at vanity and enhance emotions of inadequacy.
Why easy moments really feel much less significant
If a quiet meal at house feels much less thrilling than an evening out, there’s a psychological reason behind it. “The human mind is of course drawn to novelty and social recognition,” explains Dr Shankar. Experiences which can be visually interesting and extensively shared on-line, like journey or eating out, obtain extra validation, making them seem extra significant.
Nonetheless, she emphasises that this notion is deceptive. “Analysis persistently exhibits that long-term happiness is extra intently linked to steady relationships, emotional safety, and on a regular basis consolation than to extraordinary experiences,” she says. In different phrases, the dal-chawal moments could not development on-line—however they maintain actual well-being.
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Shifting from ‘khush dikhna’ to ‘khush rehna’
Shifting from performative to real happiness requires a acutely aware change in focus. “It begins with emotional consciousness—acknowledging your emotions with out the necessity to current them in a sure means,” says Dr Shankar.
She recommends practising gratitude for small, on a regular basis experiences and investing in real-world relationships. Limiting social media use also can assist. “Being conscious of how and why we use these platforms reduces comparability and efficiency stress,” she provides.
DISCLAIMER: This text relies on data from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to.
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