If you’ve ever scrolled through TikTok and thought, “How is everyone my age affording luxury vacations, new cars, and apartments with exposed brick?”—you’re not alone.

What you’re feeling might be something called money dysmorphia. And yeah, it’s real.

What Is Money Dysmorphia?

Money dysmorphia is when your perception of your own financial situation gets distorted—mostly from comparing yourself to others online. You might feel like you’re constantly behind, “poor,” or that everyone else has it all figured out (spoiler: they don’t).

A 2024 survey by Credit Karma found that 43% of Gen Z say they experience money dysmorphia. That’s nearly half of us feeling anxious or inadequate—even if we’re budgeting, saving, or paying off debt.

Why You Feel This Way

1. Social Media Is a Highlight Reel

No one’s posting about maxed-out credit cards or moving back home to save money. You’re mostly seeing the wins—not the reality behind them.

That influencer with the $2,000 outfit might be deep in debt. You just don’t see the bill.

2. We’re Constantly Comparing

Between TikTok, Instagram, and even LinkedIn, it’s easy to think everyone is leveling up faster than you. But success isn’t one-size-fits-all—and it doesn’t happen overnight.

3. Unrealistic Expectations Are Everywhere

A 2023 study by Intuit found that many Gen Zers believe you need over $1 million in net worth to feel financially successful. That’s wild—especially when most people our age are still figuring out rent and ramen.

How It Affects You

• Anxiety about money—even if you’re doing okay
• Feeling like you’re failing, even when you’re making progress
• Pressure to overspend or fake a lifestyle you can’t afford
• Burnout from trying to “catch up” with people your age

Let’s be honest: that’s exhausting.

How to Fight Back (5 Steps That Actually Work)

1. Unfollow the Flex

Curate your feed. If someone’s content constantly makes you feel broke or behind, mute or unfollow them. Instead, follow creators who talk about real money stuff—student debt, budgeting, job struggles, and small wins.

Try hashtags like #BudgetTok or #BrokeNotBroken.

2. Track Your Progress, Not Theirs

Paying off $300 in credit card debt? That’s huge. Saving $50 this month? That’s a win. You’re building long-term habits that flex harder than any luxury purchase.

3. Talk About It With Friends

Start real conversations. You’d be surprised how many people around you are also trying to figure it out. The pressure to “keep up” disappears when you realize most of us are just winging it.

Money doesn’t have to be taboo. Talk about rent, debt, and saving. Normalize it.

4. Make a Low-Stress Budget

Forget the perfect spreadsheet. Just build something simple that works:

• Save a little (even $10 counts)
• Spend mindfully
• Avoid debt traps

Your future self will thank you—even if it’s messy at first.

5. Define Your Own Version of “Rich”

Forget what social media tells you success looks like. Maybe for you, it’s:

• No credit card debt
• Living on your own
• Traveling once a year
• Having peace of mind

That’s valid. Build toward your version—not someone else’s TikTok fantasy.

Sage Last Thoughts

Look, we get it. Life is expensive. Social media is loud. And adulting is harder than anyone warned us.

But just because you don’t have it all figured out right now doesn’t mean you’re behind. You’re building. You’re learning. You’re doing better than you think.

Block out the noise. Focus on your path. That’s where the real wealth is.