Is Social Media Making You Anxious? What 'Notes on a Nervous Planet' Reveals

How Online Comparison Culture Is Quietly Stealing Your Joy (And What You Can Do About It)

Have you ever closed a social media app feeling worse than when you opened it? You’re not alone. Matt Haig’s 'Notes on a Nervous Planet' exposes the subtle but powerful ways that social media fuels anxiety, self-doubt, and loneliness. In a world where likes, shares, and followers seem to measure our worth, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters.

Haig explains that social media platforms are designed to keep us scrolling, comparing, and craving validation. Each notification triggers a tiny burst of dopamine, making us feel momentarily important, but the effect quickly fades, leaving us wanting more. The endless stream of curated images and achievements creates an impossible standard, making us feel like outsiders in our own lives.

One of the most insidious effects of social media is the rise of comparison culture. We compare our everyday reality—messy, imperfect, and human—to the polished highlight reels of others. Haig notes that this constant comparison is a recipe for anxiety, as we measure ourselves against illusions rather than reality. The result is a pervasive sense of inadequacy and a fear of missing out (FOMO).

But there is a way out. Haig advocates for setting healthy boundaries with technology. He suggests turning off notifications, taking regular breaks from screens, and curating your feed to include only positive, inspiring content. Most importantly, he encourages readers to nurture real-world relationships and to remember that true self-worth comes from within, not from digital applause.

'Notes on a Nervous Planet' is not just a critique of digital life—it’s a roadmap for reclaiming your joy. By breaking free from the cycle of comparison, you can rediscover the beauty of your own, unfiltered existence.

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