The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

By Mohamed Miah

In a world constantly driven by competition, one emotion quietly yet persistently thrives beneath the surface—jealousy. Once a hidden force, jealousy has become an increasingly visible and destructive part of society. From schools to corporate offices, the race to be “number one” has created a toxic culture, and now, in the age of social media, we see this once-private emotion laid bare for all to witness. 

Jealousy isn’t just a personal problem; it’s systemic, woven into the very fabric of how we are taught to succeed. From our earliest years, the message is clear: success means coming first, being the best, and surpassing everyone else. What is rarely emphasised is the idea of collective success, of helping others rise alongside us. In an individualistic world, this has dangerous consequences, pitting people against one another in every sphere of life. 

But is this a modern Western problem, or is it more global in nature? For years, I thought it was more of an issue rooted in capitalist cultures—those driven by profit, status, and media moguls who pit us against each other for their benefit. The elite stand at the top of the ladder, comfortably resting while the rest of us fight amongst ourselves for scraps. It’s an effective distraction, ensuring that the power structures remain unchallenged. But, the more I reflect, the clearer it becomes that jealousy and competition are global phenomena, affecting every level of society, from the smallest villages to sprawling metropolises.

Jealousy isn’t just confined to Western capitalistic societies. Whether you’re in Bangladesh, Brazil, or Birmingham, the competition to climb the social ladder exists everywhere. From local communities to entire nations, people strive to be the best, to own the most, to stand out from the crowd. What was once a covert battle for status has now been made strikingly visible, thanks to one simple tool: social media.

Where jealousy once lurked in whispered conversations or silent stares, today it is out in the open for the world to see. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook have turned private thoughts into public discourse. People who might have harbored secret feelings of resentment or envy can now post a comment, tweet, or story about it. And often, these emotions manifest in hateful or divisive ways, splitting people apart rather than bringing them together.

We’ve all seen it. The angry comment under a successful person’s post, the “keyboard warrior” ripping someone down anonymously, and the subtler forms of online envy—those passive-aggressive posts about others’ achievements. Social media has made jealousy tangible. We can read it, see it, and feel it more than ever before. What was once hidden is now a part of daily life.

But as we recognise this global issue, we must ask ourselves: what is the solution? Is it enough to acknowledge the problem, or do we need to dig deeper? The truth is, solving jealousy requires a change not just in societal structures, but in how we, as individuals, perceive the world around us.

I believe that the only real solution to jealousy lies within us. Through reflection and faith, we can confront the root causes of this emotion and begin to heal. Instead of competing for superficial success, we need to focus on inner growth, spiritual understanding, and contentment. Faith, whatever form it may take, offers a powerful antidote to jealousy, reminding us that we are all on our own unique paths and that our true worth lies not in comparison to others but in our connection to something greater.

Reflection, too, plays a crucial role. Only by examining our own insecurities and motivations can we begin to break free from the cycle of jealousy and competition. When we reflect on our lives and the forces that shape them, we realise that much of the competition we face is manufactured—designed by those in power to keep us focused on small battles rather than the larger issues at play.

Yet, reflection and faith are not easy answers. They require effort, self-awareness, and a willingness to step outside the societal framework that has been built around us. It is far easier to scroll through Instagram, feeling envious of someone’s perfectly curated life, than it is to confront the deep-seated reasons for that envy. It’s easier to be distracted by the day-to-day grind, living paycheck to paycheck, than it is to reflect on what truly brings us happiness and fulfillment.

Still, if we ever hope to combat the epidemic of jealousy that’s sweeping the world, we must start with ourselves. We must teach the next generation that success is not a zero-sum game. It’s not about standing on top of others, but about lifting each other up. We must shift our focus from competition to collaboration, from envy to encouragement. And in doing so, we might just find that the world becomes a better, kinder, and more compassionate place.

The global problem of jealousy will not be solved overnight. But through reflection, through faith, and through a deep understanding of our interconnectedness, we can begin to unravel its hold on our lives and society. Only then can we truly challenge the systems that keep us divided and ensure that we, as a global community, rise together.