Turn it Off, Tune it Out, Drop in in Real Life*

*historical reference to "turn on, tune in, drop out"

Improved communications and social media have a downside: resentment. First, the definition:

Resentment is a feeling of indignation in reaction to a real or perceived slight, a sense of insult or inadequacy caused by the actions, comments or simple existence of someone or something else. It’s the feeling that you’re not getting your fair share, while someone else is getting more than theirs.

How resentment is triggered by modern technology: [bold added]

social media’s prime group of users....use the platforms to present a curated life that quite often shows only the most flattering bits, with the purpose of conveying, or implying, status and standing. You’re quite literally meant to resent their success, or their beauty, or their luck.

(Image from azquotes)

There are numerous other contributors to resentment, such as our (lack of) wealth versus those in our peer group, the career success of our immediate relations, not to mention ourselves, health, physical attractiveness, the list goes on.

The writer, psychologist Peggy Drexler, has two recommendations:

the fix for resentment lies entirely within yourself. It consists of learning to push resentment down—remembering that happiness is found in what you have and not what you don’t.

we can control what we allow ourselves to see. If you find that Facebook or Instagram is making you upset, give yourself a break.

We've said it before, it's impossible to be angry or resentful for long if one cultivates an Attitude of Gratitude.