People share a lot about their lives on social media and that can sometimes influence how we feel about certain things. A recent survey from Nerdwallet finds this especially happens with money.
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00:00 People share a lot about their lives on social media and that can sometimes influence how we feel about certain things.
00:07 A recent survey from NerdWallet finds this especially happens with money.
00:11 More than half of Americans report feeling envious of someone else's financial situation online.
00:17 A similar number say those feelings impact their mental health.
00:20 We spoke with a financial therapist who says this all comes down to perspective.
00:25 Imagining what we do have and being grateful for our privileges, even if it's minor at this stage in our life,
00:32 every time we're able to say, "This is what I have," we're going to be happier than saying, "This is what I don't have."
00:38 She references an academic article based around the concept that money doesn't buy happiness, but the opportunity for happiness.
00:46 With that in mind, she says there is potential to turn any negative feelings into positive.
00:51 Instead of looking at other financial situations with envy, try to filter content with people you can view as money role models.
00:58 I do love that they spend money on vacations because those experiences with their family will last a lifetime.
01:04 Or I love that she buys purchases for her family because that time with her kids, she'll never get back.
01:10 And having role models that provide opportunities to seek good purchases, not just buying more stuff.
01:16 She says it's also important to remember that social media doesn't always show the full picture.
01:22 So don't believe that everybody has as much as they may be displaying.
01:26 And also don't believe that they didn't get it for free because I think oftentimes we forget that influencers are not paying for the items that they're encouraging you to buy.