Core Argument - Happiness is not solely dependent on abundance but also on socioeconomic status relative to others [7] - Income inequality negatively impacts happiness, even when the economy is progressing [8] - Social comparison, especially through social media, can lead to unhappiness and financial strain [9][11] Behavioral Economics & Consumption - People often prioritize appearing wealthy over actual wealth, leading to overconsumption and poverty [10] - Poorer individuals spend a larger portion of their income on appearance compared to wealthier individuals [10] - Social media users who focus on social display rather than creative content are more likely to become poorer [11][12] Game Theory & Paradoxes - Most people would prefer to live in a world where they earn €10,000 per month and others earn €3,000, rather than earning €30,000 while others earn €120,000 [4][5] - This preference illustrates Easterly's paradox, where relative income matters more than absolute income for happiness [7] Social Media Impact - The pursuit of becoming an influencer through social display often leads to unemployment and financial decline [12]