Newborn babies only know themselves. Toddlers are naturally concerned with their own welfare as they are hardly able to care for themselves, let alone others. As they get older, though, most people begin to understand that the world doesn’t revolve around them. We are then encouraged to place others’ needs before our own and become selfless. In today’s society however, so much pressure is placed on going to college, getting a job, and making money – while portraying your life at its uncommon best on social media – that it is difficult not to be selfish.

On dictionary.com, selfishness is defined as being “devoted to or caring only for oneself; concerned primarily with one’s own interests, benefits, welfare, etc., regardless of others.” This disturbing quality sneakily masquerades as a positive thing by means of social media and a warped definition of success.

Social media is one of the biggest promoters of this selfishness and particularly the narcissism that comes from showing the world only the best parts of your life. People believe that they will only be happy once they attain an idealized version of themselves, and use social media as the platform to execute this dream. Through the lens of social media, people can showcase only their wittiest thoughts and best pictures. It’s can be considered as a big, selfish game. Instead of something real or tangible, the object is a superficial display of “likes.”

“Social media poisons our souls,” says junior Susan Peters. Nowhere else in our culture is pure self promotion so slavishly pursued. This is seen in the group pictures that so many girls post. If a girl looks really good in a picture but knows her friend is not looking the best, will she typically still post it anyway? Yes, yes she will. Hardly anyone can truly say that they possess social media accounts for the good of others.

Selfishness is also present in our definition of “success,” which is essentially equated with how much money a person earns. Students are encouraged above all else to work hard throughout high school and attend an elite college so that they can maximize their earnings in later life. There’s nothing wrong with being motivated and hardworking. The problem is when people allow these goals to overshadow real human connection and responsibility to others. As the cliched statement goes, money doesn’t guarantee happiness. A clear example of this is Ebenezer Scrooge from “A Christmas Carol,” who earned all the money he wanted but would never share it with the poor. Only after he realized the consequences of his greediness did he begin to be generous, and as a result, he lead a happier life.

Some of the happiest people in the world are the ones who are the most selfless. People who always have a kind word for others and a positive, generous attitude become most admired and loved by their peers. And yet, their success goes unnoticed on society’s scale. Selfless people are the happiest because they measure success by the substance of their relationships. Material things that can make people “successful” will never take you far.

This year, pay attention to the lasting things in life. Our relationships will be there till the end. Other human beings will be there till the end. It’s time to see above the edge of our phones and realize that the most precious gift we have is the ability to give to others.