Happiness, one of the main emotional goals for which all individuals work and live, is still an aspiration for many people. Since we are part of a generation that spends almost half of our lives on the internet, it is essential to understand how the online world affects our understanding of a happy life. And now that the Internet is entering the new world of the metaverse, it is likely that the degree of digital consumption will be higher than ever. So now is a good time to make sure our digital consumption is happy, safe and beneficial.

Avoid falling in love with FOMO

The internet has a very deeply rooted culture of “FOMO” or fear of missing out; a sense of pseudo-urgency. From taking the first dose of the vaccine to buying the latest crypto, everything has induced in us the need to be the “first” among our equals. Many millennials make crucial decisions under pressure from FOMO. But why? It’s time to realize that this constant need for instant gratification not only makes happiness fleeting, but also dependent on things outside of ourselves.

In order to find true happiness, do things when you want to, not just because your favorite friends, peers, or influencers do them.

Demoralization of flexible culture

“How to Look Rich” video tutorials are all over the internet. As ridiculous as it sounds, the internet has become the place to hide our most deeply rooted insecurities and live by other people’s definitions of happiness. Many of us live a pseudo-life on the internet just to be accepted, liked, and followed. It’s useless.

what you seek is seeking you

Honestly, the internet isn’t as bitter, loud and sad as it may seem. Do you remember how happy social media made us during lockdown? Many of us have rekindled old friendships and rekindled forgotten loves. Of course, the net is a double-edged sword. It’s natural to be overwhelmed and anxious when you see negative content, but the algorithms that drive social media mean that if you indulge your curiosity about negative information, your feed will only be filled with negative posts. . Just see, consume and move on. Look for positive and happy content, and happiness will follow you. Happiness is with us. Once we spot him, he’ll stay with us.

Good, bad or ugly, the internet is truly a reflection of ourselves.

As for me, all I need is a few chats on my Insta feed to brighten my day 🙂

Lee Keshav is Head of Product Design at Hike, leading Web 3.0 and NFT initiatives for social and gaming mobile apps.

I Say Chaps is an occasional guest column that lets passionate and creative people have their say.

From HT Brunch, March 27, 2022

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