Let’s be real—what’s the first thing you do when you wake up? Before even getting out of bed, many of us reach for our phones. Notifications, DMs, viral TikToks, new reels, aesthetic “Day in My Life” vlogs, your screen instantly becomes a window into everyone else’s world. And what do we usually see? People traveling, upgrading their lives, getting fit, making money, and somehow looking perfect while doing it. It’s like everyone is leveling up… except you.
It doesn’t take long before that subtle voice starts to creep into the back of your mind, “Why am I not doing more? Why is everyone ahead of me? Am I feeling behind?” That anxious feeling has a name known famously as “FOMO” or Fear of Missing Out. And when you’re constantly watching influencers, creators, and even friends showcasing the best versions of their lives, it can hit hard. You start comparing your reality to their highlight reels. Even your faith can start to feel… distant. Like you’re too distracted to focus on it. Like maybe you’re “missing out” in life and in your deen.
But here’s the thing, your worth isn’t measured in likes, followers, or glow-ups, and chasing the algorithm won’t bring you closer to Allah (SWT). So the real question is, what does all this scrolling, watching, and comparing mean for your soul? For your deen? Let’s slow down, learn, and reflect.
Who are influencers and what are they influencing?
Influencers are people with large followings on social media who affect others’ decisions and lifestyles through their content. Some promote fashion, fitness, or luxury, others focus on productivity, aesthetics, or even spiritual content. But regardless of their niche, one thing is clear that they influence how we think, feel, and behave.
Islam teaches us to be mindful of who we take as role models. Allah (SWT) says, “O believers! Be mindful of Allah and be with the truthful.” (The Clear Quran®, 9:119) Social media doesn’t just show you content, it slowly begins to condition your values, desires, and your sense of identity. So ask yourself this question, are the people I follow helping me become a better Muslim or pulling me away from my akhirah?
Understanding FOMO in the light of Islam
FOMO is the anxiety that you’re missing out on something important whether it’s experiences, opportunities, or connections. Social media thrives on this. Stories that disappear in 24 hours (and checking constantly to see how many people have liked it); trending challenges; “day-in-my-life” videos; they’re all whispering, “others are living better than you,” and you believe in it without a shadow of a doubt!
But here, Islam teaches us contentment is not found in what others have, but in what Allah (SWT) has already given to us.
In Surah Taha, Allah (SWT) says, “Do not let your eyes crave what We have allowed some of the disbelievers to enjoy; the fleeing splendour of this worldly life, which We test them with. But your Lord’s provision in the Hereafter is far better and more lasting.” (The Clear Quran, 20:131)
This ayah reminds us to never envy the lifestyles of others. What you see is often just a filtered glimpse of reality. Allah (SWT) knows your path and what is best for you, even if it looks different from everyone else’s.
The spiritual risks of constant comparison
Comparison is not just emotionally exhausting, it can be spiritually damaging. Here’s how:
- It weakens gratitude. You may stop appreciating your blessings because you’re too focused on what others have.
- It distracts from ibaadah. You spend hours consuming content but feel “too tired” for Quran or salah.
- It plants seeds of arrogance or despair. You either feel superior because you “have more” or inferior because you “have less.”
The Prophet (SAW) said, “Look at those below you and not look at those above you, for that is more likely to prevent you from belittling the blessings Allah has bestowed upon you.” (Sahih Muslim)
This powerful advice is timeless. Social media tempts us to look up at those who seem to be ahead, but Islam teaches us to look down in gratitude, realizing how much we already have.
Detoxing your feed and protecting your heart
You don’t need to delete all your apps, but you do need to be intentional with how you use them. Here are a few practical tips:
- Curate your feed with purpose by following accounts that uplift your imaan, not your insecurities. If someone’s content stirs jealousy, doubt, or constant comparison, consider unfollowing or muting them.
- Schedule digital breaks from scrolling. Even 24 hours offline can refresh your focus and reconnect you with reality.
- Anchor your day in dhikr and salah. Begin and end your day with the remembrance of Allah (SWT). Even one line of Quran in the morning can center your heart far better than 100 scrolls of content.
- Replace communication with dua where if you see someone have something that you want, say, “Oh Allah (SWT)! Bless them and if it’s good for me, grant me something better.”
Finding real influence in the Sunnah
The ultimate influence in your life should be the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) who is the most blessed, wise, and beloved human being to ever walk this earth. His life wasn’t full of luxury or “aesthetic” moments, it was full of purpose, struggle, and nearness to Allah (SWT).
In Surah Al-Ahzab, Allah (SWT) says, “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah often.” (The Clear Quran®, 33:21)
The more we study his life, the less we’ll be distracted by the curated lives of influencers. Because the Prophet (SAW) didn’t teach us to seek approval, he taught us to seek Allah’s (SWT) pleasure.
Social media can be a tool of benefit or a source of spiritual burnout. Influencers and FOMO aren’t inherently evil, but they must be viewed through the lens of your deen. Every swipe is a choice, will this pull me toward Allah (SWT) or away from Him? To every Muslim youth reading this, your life isn’t behind! You’re not missing! Your rizq, your timeline, your journey, it’s all written. What you don’t want to miss out on is Jannah because that’s the only place where nothing is filtered, nothing fades, and everything is forever.
May Allah (SWT) protect our hearts, guide our eyes, and make our online lives a reflection of our love for Him. Ameen!
