Nauman asked this question over at YouTube:

I’m in inferiority complex or a victim of inferior psychology due to چکا چوند کر دینے والی میڈیا psychology plz guide how to get rid of it completely

This is such a big issue and something that I have faced as well.

We feel bad about our progress. And we know it is because of social media. So what do we do about this?

The Trap of the Perfect Life

You pick up your phone for a quick scroll down “For You” lane.

Your friend from school is vacationing in the Maldives. Your neighbor’s brother’s friend just bought a brand-new e-tron. Your ex-colleague who used to work with you, who quit three months ago to start their own business, is posting about his new business “mashAllah hitting one million rupees in revenue”.

And here you are and your boring life.

You’re not alone. Social media has turned into a 24/7 highlight reel of success, luxury, and happiness. It’s designed to make you compare—your ordinary day to someone else’s peak moment.

But here’s the truth: it’s an illusion.

The Comparison Game That No One Wins

Social media only shows the wins.

The struggles, the failures, the quiet hard work? Nowhere to be seen.

This creates a dangerous trap—the comparison game. You start measuring your life against polished, filtered versions of others. And no matter what you do, it never feels enough.

Studies confirm this: Frequent social media use is linked to lower self-esteem and higher anxiety (source).

Because when you compare your behind-the-scenes to someone’s highlight reel, you’ll always feel like you’re falling short.

The Hidden Cost of Social Media Psychology

The problem runs deeper than just feeling bad.

1. Your self-worth takes a hit

Seeing success everywhere makes you feel like you’re constantly behind.

2. You develop a scarcity mindset

It seems like everyone else is winning, leaving less room for you to succeed.

3. You chase validation instead of growth

Instead of focusing on real progress, you start posting for likes and approval.

I have caught myself deep in this validation bakwaas way too many times. We start “fishing for likes” to feel good. We start surrounding ourselves with those who never question us or “says it like it is”.

If this continues unchecked, it can lead to inferiority complex—where you start believing you are permanently “less than” others.

Research backs this up: A study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found that reducing social media use significantly improves mental well-being (source).

So, how do you escape this?

Boosting Your Confidence in a Digital World

I am sharing five things that can help. You can do any one of these. I would suggest you do all five as they are possible to do together. InshAllah

1. Reduce Your Exposure

You are up against some of the biggest companies hiring some of the brighest minds in the world. They want you to “Stay on their platform”. And the more you stay, the easier it becomes to expose yourself to content that is designed to make you feel inadequate.

So first, select the accounts you follow with care. Include things that inspire rather than drain you.

Second, set strict time limits for social media use.

2. Shift from Consumption to Creation

Instead of just scrolling, start creating. Write, build, share your knowledge—do things that make you proud of yourself.

Instead of consuming, create on social media. Share your journey of learning. This is how “reputations” are made. Start building yours.

3. Ground Yourself in Reality

Real success is messy. It’s filled with failures, setbacks, and lessons. Talk to real people about their journeys—you’ll realize no one’s life is as perfect as it seems online.

4. Focus on Your Own Growth

Instead of comparing yourself to others, compare yourself to who you were yesterday. Track your progress in skills, fitness, business—whatever matters to you.

5. Try a Social Media Detox

Even a one-week break can reset your mindset. Less comparison, more clarity.

Less “dopamine frying” of the brain, more excitement in things that matter.

A lot more can and inshAllah will be said about this “detox” in the coming days. Subscribe if you haven’t to get emails from me.

Conclusion: Own Your Journey

You are not behind. You’re on your own path.

Social media will always show a filtered version of life—but real success? That happens offline.

So, take control. Reduce the noise. Focus on your growth. And remember: the only person you should compete with is your past self

Make your wheel of life (get the free guide here), get your own scoreboard, and start competing with the right person – your self. Bismilla.