Anxiety and Yuppies and TikTok Creators

Anxiety has been at an all time high in American society even before the pandemic.  One of the books I read on depression and anxiety cited that multiple studies found that the more materialistic and extrinsically motivated you become, the more anxious you will be (I think the book was Lost Connections).  

Those two characteristics – materialism and extrinsic motivation – speak to most of us to some degree.  If you are materialistic, you are focused on accumulating money, things, and experiences that cost money.  Extrinsic motivation is motivation from some sort of outside reward – money, fame, recognition, followers, power, praise – while intrinsic motivation comes from an inward desire.  

Being focused on either materialism or extrinsic motivation characterizes most of American society for the past 2 generations.  My generation, graduating in the 1980’s, was considered the most materialistic generation ever, populated by Yuppies (Young Urban Professionals) and DINKS (Double Income No Kids).  If you Google Yuppie, the first hit defines them as “characterized by youth, affluence, and business success. They are often preppy in appearance and like to show off their success by their style and possessions.”  Not only are they materialistic, but they flaunt it.

The millennials have rejected some of this materialism, but they often fall victim to the “extrinsic motivation” the studies have identified as a major cause of anxiety.  Instagrammers, YouTubers, and TikTok creators strive to collect as many followers as possible.  Some creators are actually creating from an intrinsic motivation and may be surprised when something gains traction and they receive an extrinsic reward from it, but many are increasingly motivated by the fame or adulation and become anxious and addicted, even desperate, to get “likes” or recognition.  

So when I heard this verse at church, it resonated with  me:  “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” James 3:16  Both of these motivations – materialism and extrinsic rewards – are shot through with envy and selfish ambition.  Scripture directly addresses both:  “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” I Timothy 6:9  “They loved the praise from men more than the praise from God.”  Matthew 12:43.

So Americans today are almost predetermined to be anxious due to the values of our culture. All the more reason to rise above the culture around us.  “Since then you have been raised with Christ, see your hearts on things above. . . not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1-2.  

I haven’t risen above these things yet, but I know at least part of the answer lies in the end of this section of scripture when Paul tells us three times in three verses to “be thankful” and “sing . . . with gratitude” and “give thanks.” (3:15,16,17) This helps free us from envy and selfish ambition so we can “let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts.” (3:15)