Where the Green Grass Grows

Kids are taught to be content with what they have. On the other hand, kids constantly hear I want more from popular movies like “The Little Mermaid” and “High School Musical 2” . Hence, inadvertently, they become a part of the keeping up with the Joneses phenomena (KJP) from an astonishingly young age. KJP is when people base personal happiness and success on what they have in comparison to others. In addition, the influence of KJP is spread through linkage institutions such as social media and television. Because these linkage institutions are increasing in influence, one can assume that the effects of KJP are becoming more prominent. In fact, psychotherapist Daniela Tempesta explains that, “With the explosion of social media giving us access to continuous material upon which to compare ourselves, our attempts to keep up with the Joneses have moved beyond the neighborhood and onto the web.”. Furthermore, research has shown that KJP may have future repercussions. These considerations lead to the conclusion that it is imperative to determine the socio-psychological and economic effects of KJP on individuals. After analyzing various sources, it is clear that KJP leads to depression and in some cases suicide.

Socio-Psychological Effects of KJP
In order to understand the effects of KJP, it is important to start by viewing its psychological origin. People are inclined to want to be the best. As established writer Morgan Quinn puts it, “Just as a peacock parades its tail or a lion flaunts its mane, humans show off their stuff.” . However, humans have taken this animalistic tendency too far and thus developed KJP. In an effort to surpass everyone else, people began to define their own accomplishment and success in terms of what they had in comparison to others. Pastor Steven Furtick explains, “The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel”. In essence, he is saying that KJP causes insecurity.
Another detrimental effect is summarized by philosopher John Stuart Mill who theorizes, “Men do not desire to be rich, but to be richer than other men.”. Therefore, it follows, that in some cases, people view their own happiness in terms of physical items rather than personal satisfaction. This leads individuals to buy luxury items that they do not need in a futile effort to be content.

Economic Effects of KJP
Currently, more people in America are facing debt than ever before. Nevertheless, more people are buying luxury goods, even in the face of a mountain of debt. In fact, Forbes says, “surprisingly, at a time when half of us are just one paycheck away from financial devastation, we’re also spending more on luxuries.”. This shows that people choose to make detrimental financial decisions as a direct result of KJP. Supporting this, financial writer Mandi Woodruff reports, “Researchers from the San Francisco Federal Reserve found people who earn 10 percent less than their neighbors are 4.5 percent more likely to commit suicide.” . This shows that KJP encourages people to fallaciously believe that if they have what others have, they will be content. Ultimately, this false perception drives hopeless and frustrated individuals to commit suicide. In fact, although many people chase money in a race to be the best, studies have found that there is an ideal wealth limit . Beyond or below this limit, people are unsatisfied with themselves. More specifically, “People who earned less than $34,000 were 50 percent more likely to commit suicide… [and] People who earned between $34,000 and $102,000 increased their risk for suicide by… 10 percent.”. Hence, $34,000 is considered the misery line .

Furthermore, it has been proven that an increase in income or wealth does not correlate with an increase in happiness. This is because once people think that they have found satisfaction, they begin comparing themselves with those who have more, and the vicious cycle continues . This realization led the writers at Forbes to say, “the need to keep up with the Joneses—can lead us to make choices [that are] not conducive to happiness.” .

Kicking KJP to the Curb
It is imperative to realize that, as stated earlier, this KJP is infested in children's minds early on. Therefore, people must find a way to overcome KJP, and encourage kids to truly be satisfied and appreciate what they have. On the bright side, psychologist Jane Bolton reminds that, “Comparing is learned”. Therefore, theoretically, it can be unlearned . Bolton advocates that people should remind themselves that the image they perceive of others is not the full story . Thus, interpersonal comparisons are unfair. Based on this, people should evaluate personal success with respect to how they feel.

Concerning the Competition-Crazed
Despite the apparent detriments of KJP, some may argue that it benefits individuals by motivating them to be better . However, the source of that motivation is jealousy and naive desperation. In fact, Tempesta deems it “time-consuming and ineffective” . On the other hand, some believe that “Comparisons can also serve as a reality check”. Nevertheless, the comparisons are inaccurate as they do not take the full situation of the other person into account. Either way, some interpersonal comparison is natural and can occasionally serve as motivation. Therefore, comparison must come in moderation. Plus, adults should teach their children to use interpersonal comparisons as food for thought rather than food for jealousy.

Conclusion
KJP implies that the green grass grows in practically every house besides one’s own. Through the foggy glasses of KJP, people are unable to accurately assess their situation. Furthermore, KJP makes people over-competitive, insecure, and dissatisfied. Plus, it encourages individuals to make detrimental financial decisions based on perceived wants. Nevertheless, KJP is ingrained in the minds of children in the form of popular songs and movies. Therefore, adults should take the responsibility to explain the determinants of KJP to children. Though at a first glance, it may seem benign, interpersonal comparisons and KJP undoubtedly negatively influence individuals.