Parenting Perspective 

When social media influencers repeatedly present luxury lifestyles and new gadgets as the pathway to joy, children can begin to equate happiness with owning material things. This can distort their sense of fulfilment, leaving them constantly chasing the next purchase rather than appreciating experiences, relationships, or their own personal growth. 

A Distorted Understanding of Happiness 

The constant exposure to curated, perfect-looking lives online teaches children that happiness is something that can be bought. This is a harmful and misleading message that sets them up for a life of dissatisfaction, as no material possession can ever provide lasting joy. 

The Weakening of a Child’s Self-Worth 

Children who cannot afford the lifestyles or possessions they see online may begin to feel inferior, believing their own lives are somehow incomplete. This can weaken their self-confidence and foster feelings of inadequacy. They may also start comparing themselves negatively with their peers, further damaging their self-image. 

The Development of Restlessness and Greed 

Instead of being content with what they have, children who are exposed to this constant marketing develop a sense of restlessness. They are always longing for the next item that they believe will finally make them happy. This breeds impatience, a sense of entitlement, and ultimately, disappointment when the promised joy proves to be short-lived. 

The Long-Term Consequences 

This mindset can have lasting effects on a child’s development. 

• Fragile Relationships: They may begin to prioritise wealth over sincerity in their friendships. 

• Shallow Aspirations: Their life goals may revolve around acquiring status symbols instead of meaningful achievements. 

• Emotional Instability: Constant dissatisfaction can lead to stress, envy, and even depression when their material desires are not met. 

Guiding Children Through Positive Narratives 

Parents can counter this harm with a strong, positive message at home. 

• Talk openly about the tricks of marketing and social media exaggeration. 

• Model joy through simple family moments, acts of kindness, and practices of gratitude. 

• Teach your child that possessions can bring comfort, but they can never bring lasting happiness. 

• Encourage hobbies and faith-based activities that build inner contentment. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that true and lasting happiness (sa’ādah) is a state of the heart that comes from a connection with Allah, not from the accumulation of worldly goods. The influencer culture, which promotes materialism as the source of joy, is in direct opposition to this fundamental Islamic principle. 

A Quranic Reminder on Worldly Desire 

The Quran exposes the temporary and distracting nature of material competition, reminding believers that real value lies beyond worldly possessions. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hadeed (57), Verse 20: 

‘Note that indeed, the life of this world is only: a drama; and amusement; and ostentatious; and superficial bragging between yourselves; and unbridled desire for capitalism and offspring…’ 

This verse shows that chasing worldly status is a distraction from what is truly important. 

The Prophetic Teaching on True Wealth 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that material possessions are fleeting, and that only what is spent for the sake of Allah has any lasting value. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2958, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The son of Adam says: “My wealth, my wealth.” But you have nothing of your wealth except what you eat and consume, what you wear and wear out, or what you give in charity and thus make it last.’ 

This hadith teaches that true wealth is that which is spent meaningfully. 

By grounding children in these teachings, parents can protect them from the illusion that material goods equal happiness. They can learn that gratitude, simplicity, and a close relationship with Allah bring a real and lasting peace that secures their hearts against the empty promises of influencers.