Buy Now, Cry Later: The New Financial Reality
When Your Bank Account Can’t Keep Up With Your Explore Page
We don’t talk enough about the emotional whiplash of living in a world where a single scroll can send you into a shame spiral. I recently saw a post on Every Girl and it really got me thinking… we are facing an era of financial delusion.
It’s a term that’s gaining traction: money dysmorphia - a warped self-perception of wealth, status, and spending habits, fueled by the curated lifestyles we see online. Nearly 40% of Gen Z have admitted to going into debt just to keep up appearances on social media. Millennials aren’t far behind.
We’re not just comparing ourselves to the neighbors anymore. We’re comparing ourselves to influencers in Dubai, founders flying private, or friends who somehow have a new designer bag every quarter… all while trying to buy oat milk and pay rent.
So what’s really going on?
What Is Money Dysmorphia?
Think of it like body dysmorphia, but with your financial identity. It’s when your perception of your own financial reality becomes distorted - often because you’re subconsciously comparing it to what you see on Instagram, TikTok, or in your own social circles.
It’s not always about wanting more money. It’s about looking like you have it. And that mindset? It’s wreaking havoc on bank accounts and mental health alike. And I’ll let you in on a little secret… I am part of this distorted reality.
The Rise of Financial Performance
Let’s be real. Social media has turned lifestyle into a performance.
We see the soft luxury of influencer hauls, the "rich mom energy" aesthetic, and viral videos of girls planning their fourth European trip of the year. It all looks effortless. Meanwhile, many of us are juggling student loans, inflated rent, and career burnout.
TikTok's "girl math" trend made light of rationalizing purchases, but behind the humor is a real pattern: we're spending more, not necessarily because we need to - but because we think we should. Also I can’t hate on girl math because I am one to rationalize every single purchase I don’t need. “I will wear these Gucci sandals at least 50 times this summer”… there goes the division of cost by number of wears = FREE!
The Stats Behind the Scroll
40% of Gen Z say they've gone into debt to maintain appearances online
Nearly 50% of Millennials report feeling "behind" financially due to social media
BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) services have seen a massive spike among young adults
We’re borrowing for the aesthetic. And in doing so, we’re compounding a quiet crisis of financial instability and emotional burnout.
The Emotional Toll
When we’re always comparing, we’re always losing.
We don’t talk about the anxiety of checking your account after a weekend of brunches and impulsive buys.
We feel shame for not having the wardrobe, the apartment, or the vacations that others our age do.
And because no one talks about their real finances publicly, it’s easy to assume you’re the only one struggling.
Real Talk: What Needs to Change
Normalize financial transparency. More creators are opening up about their budgets, side hustles, and real struggles. Let’s lean into that.
De-influence yourself. Curate your feed with people who make you feel informed, not insecure.
Talk to your friends about money. Not in a performative way — but in an honest, supportive one. Start the conversation.
Redefine your version of success. It might look less like a luxury brand and more like peace of mind.
Lean into resources. There are so many good money coaches, free budget tools, and online communities focused on helping people reset their relationship with money
What are your thoughts? Do you realize this and feel the burn in your stomach like I do?