While I do post similar photos whenever the opportunity arises (note: the frequency differs greatly from that of others'), I do admit that sometimes I think they aren't of the same kind of standard. That is, in terms of monetary value, and popularity of the subjects of my photos and experiences.
Intuitively, anyone would assume that this should naturally lead to an unconscious process of upward comparison, especially at a time where technology is facilitating the rapid spread such things... and result in a kind of dissatisfaction with (my) own life.
Well, I thank God that this isn't the case for me. Not consciously, at least. Sometimes, though, I do wish for certain material possessions like luxury goods - which undoubtedly is the result of repeated exposures to many bloggers and their many many luxury bags - though I know it's terribly unrealistic to spend thousands at a go on an item. Other than that, I do not really feel this urge to indulge myself in many many cafes, or travel all over the world. These things are nice to have, but not necessary.
My theory for this is that factors such as financial positions, school commitments, exposure to snippets of others' lives, and knowledge of level of enjoyment of those activities moderate the subjective feelings of satisfaction and yearning for something I do not currently have or am not currently doing.
1. I work on an extremely limited monthly allowance. Necessities like tithing, food, transport, and clothes (ok this one not that necessary but whatever haha) have just about wiped out everything. I simply cannot afford the luxury of visiting so many places and owning expensive items.
2. It's my final year. This semester, my friends are 'chionging' with me. Next semester, their AU load will be significantly reduced and I will be fighting this school war alone (sigh). I cannot leave room for regrets before I graduate. Bottom line is, I do not have the luxury of time to engage in too many activities. When I'm not working, I'm catching up on rest. Sometimes even my dates are compromised :(
3. Exposure to the lives of others is a factor that would be highly correlated to the knowledge of perceived enjoyment of doing what others have done. For example, if I see that my friends are travelling all over the globe but I have not travelled much myself, I would not envy them as much as as I would if I have experienced that myself before. The downplaying of these feelings do much to minimise the impact of such exposures.
Taken together, these would explain why despite deliberately being exposed to the Facebook and Instagram posts of others which supposedly would induce an unconscious upward comparison, I do not activate my defence mechanisms, I do not avoid these stimuli altogether.
Perhaps it is also due to the fact that my identity in Christ is secured, and the peace of God is upon me, assuring me that whatever I need is provided by Him, and I will lack nothing. Perhaps this is the ultimate reason for the counterintuitive indifference even with high exposure to social network feeds. All I know is all these factors do add to the result :)
Okay I just wasted like half an hour typing this. Time to continue working on my assignment.
