In 2024, the average person's attention and focus are competing against trillions of dollars and numerous countries working together to extract as much value from our minds as possible, draining our attention however they can. It’s practically impossible and logistically infeasible for the average person to resist this. From a very young age, people are bombarded with idealized portrayals of love and friendship. These shows present distorted views of relationships, glamorizing toxic behaviors and unrealistic expectations. From movies and TV shows to TikTok and Instagram reels, these platforms flood us with images and videos that shape our views on what relationships should look like.
People might see a 30-second clip of someone buying an expensive gift for their partner, and suddenly they’re comparing their own relationship to this curated, often fake, highlight. They start asking, "Why isn’t my husband or wife doing this for me?" That one TikTok or reel has the power to plant dissatisfaction in someone’s mind, despite their partner’s real-life efforts. People constantly compare everything—lifestyles, vacations, how they’re treated. They see influencers showing off their "perfect" relationships or a man buying luxury items for his girlfriend, and they begin to feel their partner is "not enough." This builds unrealistic expectations that most relationships can’t live up to.
There’s also this troubling trend of validating someone’s unrealistic ideas to gain attention and monetary reward; content creators may encourage someone’s delusional ideas just to gain followers and engagement. Social media has essentially become a playground where people hype each other up over the most unrealistic expectations. Someone might post about how their partner should be flying them to Paris every weekend, and the entire comment section fills up with responses like, "Yass! You deserve nothing less!" Everyone is fueling each other’s fantasy, but in reality, they’re comparing their lives to a fairytale that doesn’t even exist.
Why You Should Befriend Your Children Instead of Trying to Change Them
You can't change anyone—not even your children. At the end of the day, people are shaped by their own experiences, not by your attempts to mold them. Whether it’s friends, family, or future children, everyone has their own agency and will develop their beliefs based on their interactions and the media they consume. Trying to impose your views often leads to resistance and frustration.
Instead of trying to change the world or others, focus on your own journey and well-being. Recognize the influence of media and invest your energy in understanding yourself, fostering authentic connections with those who align with your values.
