Stress in Modern Times: Beyond Basic Needs

Today, the modern world ensures that most people’s basic needs are met. Few of us need to hunt for food or worry about finding shelter. Yet stress and anxiety levels continue to rise, baffling psychologists. Why? The answer lies in our psychological drive to compare.

In the past, comparisons were limited to members of your tribe or village. Now, with social media and globalization, you’re constantly exposed to others who seem to have more—bigger houses, fancier cars, better vacations. This relentless comparison creates a hierarchy where everyone strives to move up while fearing they’ll fall behind. Stress arises not just from actual deprivation but also from the perception of relative disadvantage.

Why Hierarchies Fuel Anxiety

Humans are social creatures, deeply influenced by their position in societal hierarchies. These hierarchies aren’t limited to wealth; they also exist in relationships, careers, and social status. Narcissists chase higher ranks, impostors downplay their achievements, and masochists avoid the ladder altogether. Regardless of where someone stands, the pressure to maintain or improve their position creates stress.

For example, someone at the bottom of the ladder might feel constant frustration trying to climb out of poverty. Meanwhile, someone at the top faces a different kind of stress: the fear of losing their hard-earned position. Whether rich or poor, everyone battles this psychological pressure to stay ahead, driven by frustration and the ever-present comparisons.

How Stress Leads to Desperation

Prolonged frustration often leads to desperation, manifesting as extreme actions like theft, fraud, or risky ventures. These behaviors reflect a psychological state of desperation and the resulting breakdown of ethical considerations. While robbery isn’t literally a state of diminished capacity, it reflects similar desperation—the psyche suppresses ethical barriers to achieve a critical goal.

For some wealthy individuals, these behaviors may stem from a psychological need to feel secure and maintain their social standing. One might buy the most expensive car, host extravagant weddings, or flaunt wealth in ways that seem irrational. In reality, these behaviors stem from the same psychological need to feel secure and superior within their group.

The Role of Belonging and Rejection

Human survival has always depended on being part of a group. Social exclusion had serious survival consequences in ancestral environments, and this has led to a deeply ingrained fear of rejection in humans. Social rejection triggers anxiety, whether it’s losing a partner, being excluded from a peer group, or falling behind in societal status. This fear drives people to conform to societal norms, even at great personal cost.

For instance, parents often push children into prestigious careers not solely for personal fulfillment but also to maintain or improve family status. This pressure perpetuates stress and dissatisfaction across generations.

The Internet’s Role in Perpetuating Stress

In today’s digital age, the comparison trap has expanded exponentially. Social media constantly showcases people who seem more successful, wealthy, or attractive. The internet has broadened the scope of social comparison, exposing individuals to global standards of wealth and success, which can intensify feelings of inadequacy even among those living comfortably.

Studies in Germany revealed that although the average citizen’s standard of living improved, happiness levels declined. Why? Because the bar for comparison kept rising. A new car becomes "old" the moment a newer model is released. The cycle of striving and dissatisfaction never ends.

Breaking Free from the Comparison Trap

So, how can we escape this toxic cycle? While economic policies can play a role in reducing social disparities, the real solution lies in addressing mental health. People need more than money—they need respect, community, and purpose.

Being part of a supportive group reduces stress by fulfilling our innate need for belonging. For instance, volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and connection, helping individuals shift focus from societal pressures to meaningful contributions. Feeling valued within a group diminishes the fear of rejection and builds self-esteem based on personal achievements rather than external comparisons.

The Core of Human Stress

Ultimately, the root of modern stress isn’t poverty but the feeling of poverty. It’s the perception of being less than others that fuels anxiety. Whether you’re struggling to make ends meet or sitting atop vast wealth, the ladder of comparison remains. To counteract this, societies must create environments where individuals feel respected and valued at every level.

Modern stress cannot be fully alleviated by wealth or status. Instead, it requires a fundamental shift in how we define success and happiness. Only when individuals stop comparing themselves to unrealistic standards can they achieve true peace of mind. Without addressing these psychological pressures, the cycle of stress, dissatisfaction, and health issues will continue to spiral, affecting everyone—from the poorest to the wealthiest.