Dear Friends
Recently, I read an interesting article by Varun Aggarwal. Let's assume a massive auditorium with 362 million Indians. In this auditorium, the billionaire showcases his Rolls-Royce, the college student displays her new iPhone, the maid shares a photo of her daughter's wedding, the startup founder announces his "unicorn" status, and the retired uncle shares photos of his vacation in Goa. So nice, right? We all come to know each other regardless of our social status.
But, they are not just watching them. Psychologically, they are comparing each other. The post states that in real life, you typically compare yourself to people in your circle, usually including cousins, neighbours, and close friends, with a maximum of 50 to 100 people.
However, on Instagram, your comparison group became 1000 times larger, possibly 10 00,000 people. The 25,000 per month salaried individual watches the millionaire's Maldives trip, a Friend's new car, a Colleague's promotion, and an Influencer's brand deal. It doesn't put you in a positive mindset to work hard. It puts you into a competitive zone and tames you, drags you unknowingly into crooked competition. The middle class feels poor (compared to the rich), the Rich feel inadequate (compared to the richer), the Poor feel invisible (nobody's watching their stage performance)!!
As a Result, in 2024, India's personal loan market hit 710 lakh crores,
Credit card debt is at an all-time high. Loan apps are growing indefinitely!! Yes, many families are collapsing. Many young couples are opting for divorce after watching couples’ reels, assuming that the reel makers' lives are always fun, happy, and filled with togetherness. But in reality, there will not be a perfect couple and a perfect life. It is always a mirage! But reels portray perfectness and completeness!!
Many house tours showcase the best parts of their apartments, including the finest interiors and gadgets. They will not disclose whether they purchased through a loan or post-savings. It agitates and prompts us to make a purchase!
I don't get inspired by many of these Insta Reels, but sometimes when my classmates call me and share their 6- or 7-figure salaries, I get tempted. End of the day, I am a human being! It takes me back to my old memories!! Had I continued in my IT job, I would have been drawing the same. Or had I settled in the US in the late 1990s when I was deputed with L1 Visa, financially it would have given me a different comfort zone! However, I comfort myself that I could fulfil my father’s last wish to stay in his house for some time at least, and live with my single mother as far as possible. I have avoided unwanted corporate competition and sales travel, which has helped me stay in a Tier 3 city environment. This list provides some comfort in the wake of a huge financial opportunity loss.
Whether you agree or not, we must all be internally growing through these struggles. Nobody is an exception unless we are spiritually inclined and cultivate detachment. That is not an easy task. It is like a Bhagiratha Prayatnam.
Ravi Saripalle
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