The Evil Eye: Ancient Beliefs Meet Modern Social Media

In the rapid flow of social media, where every triumph and moment of joy is quickly shared, an ancient belief still quietly lingers: the evil eye, or “nazar.”

Despite the modern setting of digital communication, the idea of the evil eye—rooted in jealousy and admiration—continues to influence how we handle both online and real-life experiences. This enduring superstition reveals that even in our contemporary world, old anxieties and beliefs still shape our daily lives.

The concept of “nazar,” believed to bring misfortune through envious gazes or excessive admiration, spans many cultures and impacts health, wealth, and well-being. While this belief is prevalent in Pakistan, it also extends across the Middle East and Europe.

The origins of the evil eye trace back to ancient Greece and Rome. In Islam, there are specific prayers for protection against it, and Hinduism and Buddhism include rituals to ward off the evil eye. The concept is also mentioned in the Bible, highlighting its broad influence.

To guard against the evil eye, various protective measures are used. In South Asia, black dots on children’s foreheads or chili and lemon garlands are common, while Mediterranean cultures frequently use blue, white, and black “evil eye” amulets as jewelry or decor.

Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok expose our lives to a wide audience, including many we barely know. This visibility, while enabling self-expression and connections, also opens us up to the effects of “nazar.” Sharing milestones and personal achievements may invite jealousy and negative attention.

Even celebrities are becoming more mindful of social media’s impact. American singer Selena Gomez has noted the detrimental effects of social media on mental health, describing it as a source of negative comparison and pressure. Similarly, Pakistani actress Ayeza Khan has expressed concern about the evil eye, stating she is cautious about posting family photos to avoid unwanted attention. British singer Adele also prefers to maintain a degree of privacy, avoiding excessive social media activity.

Research supports the intersection of “nazar” with modern psychological issues. Studies in the journal *Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking* suggest that social media fosters envy and jealousy, creating an “envy spiral” where curated images of others’ successes lead to negative self-comparisons. Another study in the *Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology* found that limiting social media use to 30 minutes a day can alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression, indicating that reduced social media exposure can mitigate feelings of inadequacy and jealousy.

The concept of “nazar” thus becomes a blend of cultural and psychological phenomena. The belief that others’ negative feelings can bring harm may lead individuals to unconsciously reinforce this belief through their behavior, increasing their perceived vulnerability.

At its core, “nazar” reflects the fear that others may harbor negative feelings towards those who seem successful. This fear is heightened in environments where social comparison is prevalent, such as on social media.

While the impact of “nazar” cannot be completely dismissed, it’s important to approach it with a critical perspective. Encouraging critical thinking and self-awareness can help individuals understand the emotional and cognitive processes involved. By fostering positive interactions and reducing focus on comparison, we can diminish the emotional triggers that fuel envy and jealousy—and, consequently, the fear of “nazar.”

Excessive caution and social media withdrawal might lead to decreased sharing of personal successes and foster an atmosphere of suspicion. Understanding the psychological underpinnings of “nazar” and promoting mindful, positive interactions can help alleviate these fears and create a more open and trusting online community.

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