[molsongolden]

I don't understand why so much of the "social media is harmful" discussion focuses on social isolation and teen judgment. These are obviously important but none of the linked resources discuss the shift in expectations for life outcomes that is caused by social media and internet usage.

The cliche saying is that happiness = reality - expectations.

The spread of the internet has broken users free of their local bubbles and exposed them to an entire world of possibilities. Everyone is now able to compare their life to the global maximum instead of their local maximum. It's much easier now to be successful (along any axis) and miserable because there will always be people who are more successful. All of this has been moved into the internet user's scope of daily existence.

Any links to research or writing in this area will be appreciated. Also, I am not a specialist but would be open to assisting with research in this area.

[slothtrop]

It's not clear to me if these expectations alluded to are new, or harsher, because of social media.