Elon Musk Says Seeing Happy, Beautiful People May Cause You To Think 'I Must Suck' – But Warns 'Comparison Is The Thief Of Joy'

In a 2018 appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, Elon Musk shared his thoughts on social media’s pervasive influence long before his acquisition of X (formerly Twitter). The conversation delved into the psychological impact of platforms like Instagram, highlighting a dissonance between online personas and reality.

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Rogan initiated the discussion by reflecting on humanity's obsession with technology and its impact on happiness. He questioned whether technological advancements were truly enhancing our lives, expressing doubt about their capacity to increase happiness. This led them to consider the role of social media, particularly Instagram.

Musk pointed out that social media often presents an unrealistic portrayal of life. "People look like they have a much better life than they really do," Musk observed. He explained that users frequently share only the most flattering aspects of their lives, selectively choosing, and sometimes editing photos to enhance their appearance. "Even if they're not modifying the pictures, they're at least selecting the pictures for the best lighting, the best angle," Musk noted, underscoring how this practice can foster a misleading perception of constant happiness and beauty.

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The billionaire entrepreneur further explained how these curated images can lead to negative self-comparison. "If you look at everyone on Instagram, you might think, ‘Man, they're all these happy, beautiful people, and I'm not that good-looking, and I'm not happy, so I must suck,'" Musk said, highlighting the potential for such comparisons to induce sadness and dissatisfaction. 

He emphasized that many people who seem happy on social media may actually be struggling in reality. "Some of the happiest-seeming people are actually some of the saddest people in reality," Musk stated, pointing out the disconnect between online appearances and real emotions.

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Musk also discussed the broader implications of social media's influence on societal expectations and individual well-being. He noted that people often base their happiness on comparisons with others, a concept echoed by the saying, "Comparison is the thief of joy." He and Rogan discussed how this constant re-baselining of expectations can distort one's perception of reality, making people less satisfied with their lives.

The conversation touched on social media’s addictive nature and the need for validation it fosters. Musk expressed concern about the future trajectory of social media technologies, wondering about the next evolution beyond current platforms. He speculated about the possibility of a virtual or augmented reality experience that could further distance people from the real world, echoing themes reminiscent of dystopian narratives like Ready Player One. "Go live in the simulation," Musk quipped, pondering the allure of an immersive yet artificial digital existence.

Years before Musk's ownership of a major social media platform, this discussion between Rogan and Musk provides a prescient examination of the complex interplay between technology, perception, and happiness. It raises important questions about the long-term effects of social media on our mental health and societal norms.

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