Flex Culture Is a Lie. Here’s How to Break Free.
- Neil Moore
- Sep 20
- 3 min read
"Comparison is the thief of joy." I have no idea whether this nugget came from Mark Twain, Theodore Roosevelt, or was whispered by a wise old owl, but its truth resonates now more than ever in our social media-saturated world.
Not too long ago, I’d feel a bit of FOMO scrolling through an endless feed of exotic vacations, gourmet meals, and impeccably dressed people posing in front of McLarens and Ferraris.
It's as if everyone's living a perpetual state of # Blessed, while over here we’re trying to remember if we paid the credit card statement. But here's the kicker – most of what we see online is a curated highlight reel (like those exotic car rentals). And AI has amplified this.
Life Beyond the Highlight Reel
What’s missing is the other 90-plus percent: the bloopers and outtakes of real life.
Social media has turned into a stage where flexing wealth and leisure has become the norm. We've all seen it – the not-so-humble brag about the latest five-star hotel stay or the artfully snapped photo of a wrist adorned with a luxury watch, casually placed next to the morning latte (because time is money, and lattes are a little more posh than drip coffee). It's as if projecting an image of living the celebrity lifestyle has become a competitive sport.
But at what cost? In this relentless pursuit to one-up each other, we're not just stealing our own joy – we’re robbing others of theirs. The more we compare, the more we despair. It's a vicious cycle that leaves everyone feeling a little emptier, no matter how full their champagne glass is.
Flex Culture and the Cost of One-Upmanship
On a personal note, I've already jumped off the flex culture merry-go-round. You won't find me gushing about caviar-infused truffle soufflés atop a private glacier, or embarking on Himalayan expeditions with a team of Sherpas carrying my monogrammed luggage. When I choose to post (which isn’t every few hours), I prefer to share snapshots of interesting places, wildlife, cool architecture, and unique experiences that spark curiosity rather than envy.
Imagine if we shifted our focus from impressing others to expressing ourselves authentically. Social media could inspire, rather than make you feel crappy about your life. We could celebrate each other's milestones without feeling like someone else's success diminishes our own.
Even the Algorithms Want Real
Funny thing is, even the algorithms are begging for authenticity these days. With AI pumping out mountains of slick, polished content, the stuff that actually gets noticed is what feels real. A post that sounds like a person, not a prompt. A story that makes someone pause and think, “Yeah, I’ve been there.”
Social platforms are tuned to amplify what people actually respond to, and people respond to honesty. You don’t need perfect lighting or flawless copy – you need a voice that’s yours. In a sea of synthetic, authentic is the rare currency that gets rewarded.
When the Screen Goes Dark
Social media has fooled us into believing that validation lives in the numbers: likes, shares, followers. But those metrics don’t measure joy, fulfillment, or self-worth. They’re just noise.
What actually matters is how you feel about your own life when the screen goes dark. Were you present in your own moments, or obsessing over someone else’s highlight reel? Did you share something because it mattered to you, or because you hoped it would impress strangers you’ll never meet – strangers who probably don’t give a crap about you.
In the end, the only approval worth chasing is your own.
Every message has two jobs: get noticed and get remembered. That’s where I come in – helping businesses turn everyday communication into something clear, compelling, and built to last. If you’re ready to sharpen your story, let’s talk.
Neil Moore is a communications specialist, freelance journalist, masters athlete, and family man who believes that excellence has no expiry date.
Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by any regulatory agency or body. The information and opinions provided by this website is information obtained by and the opinion of Neil Moore and in the case of health and wellness subjects is not a substitute for the direct, individual medical treatment or advice provided to you by a healthcare provider. As well, the products or procedures mentioned on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is the responsibility of you and your healthcare providers to make all decisions regarding your health.
NeilMoore.ca recommends that any decision with respect to your health and wellness or the diagnosis and treatment of any disease or condition is a decision made in consultation with your healthcare provider. Please also review the Terms and Conditions of NeilMoore.ca with respect to this website not providing professional or specialist advice.
Comments