In an era defined by hyper-connectivity, digital platforms have fundamentally transformed how individuals document and share their lives. From career advancements and newborn arrivals to exotic vacations and luxury vehicle acquisitions, social media feeds are perpetually flooded with highlight reels of success and joy. While these platforms serve their original purpose of keeping friends and family connected across vast distances, a growing psychological and spiritual side effect has emerged. Constant exposure to the curated achievements of others frequently triggers feelings of inadequacy, leaving many individuals feeling deeply unsatisfied with their own personal circumstances.
Addressing this modern dilemma, speaker Lobna Mulla explored the psychological and spiritual toll of digital comparison in a compelling talk titled “Not Everything that Shines is Gold,” presented at the MASCON 2017 convention. Mulla’s discussion offers a timely reflection on how relentless scrolling through newsfeeds can erode a person’s sense of gratitude, ultimately steering believers away from recognizing and appreciating the daily blessings bestowed upon them by the Creator.
The psychological impact of modern digital consumption is a subject of increasing concern among mental health advocates and community leaders alike. Many individuals report stepping away from their smartphones, tablets, and computers with a pervasive sense that they are simply not good enough, attractive enough, intelligent enough, or fortunate enough compared to their digital peers. This chronic state of comparison directly conflicts with traditional spiritual teachings that emphasize gratitude, contentment, and the mindful recognition of one’s own provisions. Questioning how this behavior honors the daily abundance of goodness provided by Allah forms the crux of Mulla’s message at the convention.
Despite the pervasive nature of social media culture, Mulla reassures audiences that a complete digital detox is neither practical nor necessary for everyone. Acknowledging that social networks remain powerful tools for maintaining interpersonal relationships, the core challenge lies not in the technology itself, but in how individuals navigate and process the information they consume. The central question remains: how can people effectively avoid falling into the trap of constant comparison, and how can they cultivate a genuine sense of blessing and contentment with what they currently possess?
According to Islamic tradition, the blueprint for overcoming feelings of inadequacy and discontent is readily available within the foundational texts of the Quran and the traditions, or hadiths, of Prophet Muhammad. Rather than looking upward at those who possess greater material wealth, professional success, or social status, Islamic teachings advise believers to adopt a radically different perspective.
In a well-documented guidance attributed to Prophet Muhammad, recorded in the collection of Imam Muslim, believers are explicitly advised to look toward those who have been given less in worldly terms. This prophetic wisdom shifts the human gaze away from the glittering displays of wealth and success frequently highlighted on modern media platforms, directing attention instead toward the realities of hardship, trial, and perseverance experienced by others within the community.
Trusting in Allah’s Provisions
To operationalize this shift in perspective, Mulla emphasizes the importance of direct engagement and community connection, particularly with those facing difficult circumstances. Many members of the global community and local neighborhoods continuously navigate layers of hardship, ranging from chronic illness and physical disability to financial instability and personal loss. These are the individuals with whom community members are encouraged to spend their time.
The practical wisdom behind this advice is profound. Human psychology and spiritual grounding both respond strongly to direct experience over digital observation. As Mulla points out, spending an afternoon visiting someone who is sick or enduring a severe trial instantly alters an individual’s frame of reference. Returning from such an interaction naturally brings a heightened sense of awareness and renewed thankfulness for personal health, stability, and everyday comforts—blessings that are easily overlooked during hours of passive digital consumption.
At the heart of this perspective is a steadfast trust in the divine decree and the belief in Allah Almighty as Ar-Razzaq, the All-Provider. When individuals actively step outside their comfort zones to spend time with those who are less fortunate, their hearts naturally soften. They become far more likely to appreciate, value, and give sincere thanks for every single blessing that Allah has distributed in their lives. This grounded, real-world engagement stands in stark contrast to the superficial validations found on social media, where value is often tied to metrics, aesthetics, and transient displays of success.
Mulla’s presentation at the MASCON 2017 convention serves as a gentle yet powerful reminder that the glittering exterior of online personas rarely tells the full story of an individual’s life. By grounding oneself in the prophetic tradition of looking toward those with less, actively engaging with the realities of community members facing hardships, and anchoring one’s trust in Ar-Razzaq, believers can reclaim their inner peace and spiritual satisfaction. The talk continues to resonate as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to navigate the modern digital landscape without sacrificing their mental well-being or spiritual contentment.