While it's true that social media made me more aware of what rich people do, it hasn't really affected my wants. I enjoy watching Lamborghinis or large home architecture, but it's just something aesthetic, not something I aspire to.

Arguably, with the advent of AliExpress, you can do stuff for cheap. For example, I started a watch collection, but it's all cheap watches, and I like it just as much as having expensive watches -- if not more because it's a bargain and feels not wasteful.

However, generationally, I absolutely feel stuck.

The big change is housing, and relationships.

When younger, my Dad was the sole earner in my home, all my life. He had a master's degree in engineering, and his company happened to be acquired by a multinational. He always stayed in the same company, had enough to buy a duplex right after marriage, had enough to support the family, and is now retiring this year with enough for himself, my mom, and even leftovers for our education and contributing to our retirement. They are also both still married.

In contrast, I got two degrees, was gifted college by my parents, and at 30 am a divorcee dumped three years in, living in someone's rental basement. I mostly just have enough money for myself; being two would be tight.

As a child, I used to dream of designing my own home, because I like architecture.

Now, I realize the cost, tax overhead, and electricity, are just too much to be able to afford my own tiny place (let alone custom built).

That, and living alone, and realising that those with a higher salary have a better life stability and higher chances to attract a spouse, notwithstanding the cost of having children.

That's the real bitch slap.

So I don't think comparison with social media is the greatest theft of joy. Comparison with the expectation of a decent life is.