Unrealistic finance goals in social media: How to take a step back
We’re all familiar with feeling envy or inadequacy upon seeing Instagram posts parading around a brand-new luxury car, or newly-purchased home.
MEDINA ONN21 Feb 2025 01:30pm
Several studies have highlighted the negative effects social media can have on one's mental health. Photo: Canva
We're only human — and we’re all familiar with the bitter feelings of envy or inadequacy that may start to bubble up upon seeing Instagram posts parading around a brand-new luxury car, or newly-purchased home.
No matter how unhealthy we know it is, we just can't help but wonder: how is it that they're leading such luxurious lives while it feels like I'm barely keeping my head above water? What am I doing so wrong to be so far behind in financial stability in comparison?
Rest assured; you aren't the only one wondering.
Several studies have highlighted the negative effects social media can have on one's mental health — one of the biggest ramifications being a general decrease in well-being and life satisfaction, according to BMC Psychology.
"Gen-Zs — you guys grew up with the internet," says Suraya Zainuddin, personal finance blogger and founder of personal finance blog RinggitOhRinggit.
"I think many people exposed to the internet by that capacity probably think it’s normal to be financially stable by your early or mid twenties. Because you see it all the time.
"The algorithm even pushes that kind of content for you," Suraya continues, "like, 'look at how successful I am at only 20-25 years old'. Perhaps you even enjoy it for the escapism.
"But it’s very, very rare," Suraya counters. "And everyone wants to show their good selves online."
Moreover, a life free of financial worry is not nearly as common as social media would like us to believe. A 2020 survey conducted by the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research revealed that over 75.3 per cent of respondents were concerned about the escalating cost of living.
Although its less glamorous aspects often remain unpublicised — the path to financial independence is normally one loaded with several obstacles: with inflation, high housing costs, and rising prices being headaches almost every Malaysian deals with.
"Eventually — you'll learn how much things cost," Suraya says.
"For example: wedding costs in Malaysia. The average is something like RM50,000. Or higher education: you’ll see that the average cost — depending on which course you want to do — can range from RM20,000 to RM30,000, all the way up to RM500,000. Even a million ringgit if you choose to do it overseas."
Suraya's words are a testament to the sentiment that no matter how luxurious someone's lifestyle looks — price-tags are seldom disclosed, and you can never tell if someone is struggling behind the facade they advertise online.
"For many young people — they say that 'we want all of this, but we want it all at the same time'," Suraya states.
"But it does take time," Suraya continues. "I only got financially stable in my thirties. Some people only get financially stable in their forties or fifties.
"These things take time, and it's normal for it to take time. And it’s very normal for people who don't know that it takes time to feel bad that they're not doing as well as other people."
Feeling the pressure to compete financially is absolutely normal. However, it's incredibly important to not become blinded by other people’s perceptions of financial success, as to keep ourselves from burning out.
"Just know that you will eventually be fine," Suraya reassures.
"You might not see it now — but eventually, you'll be fine if you keep up good habits, and keep stacking up good habits."
So just know it'll take time. If that 'rezeki' happens for other people — that's their journey. Just focus on your own. Say 'I'm gonna do the best for myself, and it's gonna be okay'."
We’re delighted to announce that Suraya Zainuddin will be speaking at SheLeads: a networking event that doubles as a platform to amplify the issues women face on the path to success in the workforce. We personally invite you to join us at Studio F, Karangkraf HQ on Feb 27 at 2pm!
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