“Instead of just scrolling through your feed, why not create something epic! Channel the creativity you use in your online games into something tangible—like a scrumptious batch of cornbread. How about ‘Cornbread with Friends’ instead?” — Inspired by Nick Offerman
I propose a fun new Facebook meme: tag five friends whose posts make you a little envious in today’s newsfeed! For me, it might go something like this: “Today, I find myself envious of Lily for her viral article on Buzzfeed, of Sam for hitting the gym twice in one day, and of Mark and Jenny, who are enjoying a week-long getaway at a luxury resort in Hawaii.”
After all, the status update box prompts us with, “What’s on your mind?” This meme encourages a deeper connection and helps you really get to know me beyond my usual posts about hiking and my culinary adventures with quail. I’d be laying it all out there, and perhaps we’d bond over our shared vulnerabilities. As psychologist Brené Brown puts it, “We cultivate love when we allow our most vulnerable and powerful selves to be deeply seen and known.”
The three people I tag would then tag three of their friends, and before we know it, this meme could go viral!
I love how Facebook keeps me in the loop about my childhood friend’s new baby and what my distant cousin Lisa had for dinner last night. It helps me feel connected. And yes, the daily dose of inspirational quotes from my yoga buddies occasionally sparks a bit of motivation.
But let’s be honest, some posts make me feel a twinge of envy. Just last month, I noticed that David from my yoga class shared a profound Martin Luther King Jr. quote that racked up over 300 likes. No wonder he’s thriving! And then there’s Christine, whose book review featured in a popular magazine. Why can’t I get that kind of attention for my writing?
This new meme could serve as a bit of therapy. How enlightening it would be to realize that those I envy—Lily, Sam, Mark, Jenny, David, and Christine—might themselves be envious of someone else. It’s comforting to think that even Mark, who can afford that Hawaiian vacation, might be wishing he had Jeremy’s new car or thriving relationship.
Not that I’d ever take joy in someone else’s longing. Far from it! But it reminds me that we’re all seeking something more, which can help ground me and bring me back to what truly matters.
This approach works for two main reasons. First, knowing that others—including those who seem to have it all—are also striving for more helps break the cycle of envy. It shows me that happiness isn’t about accumulating more stuff or experiences, but about finding contentment within myself.
Second, simply naming the feeling of envy can diminish its power. While I scroll through Facebook, it’s easy to be consumed by envy, allowing it to define me. But once I acknowledge it and name it, I create distance from that feeling, allowing me to reconnect with my true self, which views envy as just one of many experiences—not the essence of who I am.
In those moments when I align with my deeper self, I feel vibrant and fulfilled. I know this truth, but I often forget it while scrolling through social media. That’s why I believe this meme could be a great reset button for many of us.
And I know I’m not the only one! Research from Berlin’s Humboldt University indicates that about a third of people feel more dissatisfied with their lives after visiting Facebook. The most common sources of distress? Pictures of vacations and comparisons to others’ social interactions—like their birthday wishes or post likes. A study from Utah Valley University found a clear link: the more time spent on Facebook, the more likely individuals are to perceive their friends as living happier lives.
Here’s the kicker—my meme could be particularly healing! The Berlin study found that users who browsed without contributing were the most affected. By opening up, we might just change the narrative.
Are you ready to join me in this meme revolution?
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Summary:
The article introduces a new Facebook meme encouraging users to tag friends whose posts evoke envy, fostering a deeper connection and understanding of shared vulnerabilities. It discusses how acknowledging envy can help break the cycle of dissatisfaction often amplified by social media. The piece emphasizes the importance of recognizing that everyone has their own desires and struggles, promoting a healthier perspective on social comparison.