Every day, we immerse ourselves in a stream of picture-perfect images on social media. Luxury vacations, designer clothes, stunning homes — all of it creates the illusion of a successful life that we must strive for. We start asking ourselves, “Why don’t I have this?” and set goals based on someone else’s definition of happiness. After all, if everyone around us is posting photos from the Maldives, maybe it’s time to sell a kidney for a vacation, right?

This phenomenon has a psychological explanation. The human brain is wired to compare itself to others. But in the age of social media, this mechanism works against us. We only see the showcase of other people’s lives, carefully curated highlights that are often far from reality. Because, let’s be honest, no one is posting pictures of themselves in pajamas, binge-watching TV shows for the third straight hour with an empty fridge.

The real issue is that while we chase goals imposed on us by others, we waste time, energy, and resources pursuing things that often don’t bring genuine fulfillment. That influencer-recommended phone won’t make us happier (though manufacturers are counting on it), and dining at a trendy restaurant won’t fill an inner void (but it will fill your Instagram feed).

To avoid this trap, it’s crucial to distinguish between your true desires and those imposed on you. Ask yourself: “Do I really need this?” or “Would I even want this if I had never heard of it before?” If your answer is something like, “Honestly, I just want to chill on the couch with a pizza,” then maybe it’s time to reevaluate your priorities.

There are many ways to discover your true goals and desires. But let’s be real — sometimes, the best way to be happy is simply not opening TikTok.

It’s important to remember that life isn’t an Instagram popularity contest. It’s a unique journey where you are the ultimate expert on your own happiness. And if someone disagrees? Just block them (joke? mb not)

But let’s be honest: breaking free from social media’s influence is as hard as resisting a donut on a diet. We live in a world where even drinking coffee isn’t enough — you have to turn it into content. A latte at your favorite café? Does it even count if you don’t post it to your Stories? And as for life goals — now it seems even dreams require hashtags. #LifeGoals #DreamBigger #LikesMatter.

But maybe it’s time to ask ourselves: why are we letting others decide what we should want? Instead of chasing the perfect life, why not create our own version of happiness?

Because, in the end, no one will remember how many likes your post got. But you will remember the satisfaction of living real, meaningful moments.

So maybe, let’s start small: today, a little less social media. Tomorrow, a life free from others’ expectations.

And yes, pizza on the couch is a perfectly valid plan.