Narcissists and External Good News: Can They Feel Happy When Someone Else is Happy?

Dive into the notion of narcissists experiencing happiness when they encounter positive events in the lives of others. This article explores whether reading about someone's joy can truly elicit positive emotions in a narcissist, or if such incidents primarily evoke jealousy or more sinister emotions. We'll also delve into how online news and social media play a role in this dynamic.

The Nature of Narcissists' Emotions

Narcissists are known for their grandiose self-perceptions and a deep need for validation. In essence, their primary emotional response to others' good fortune is often rooted in insecurity rather than genuine happiness. When a narcissist learns about someone else's achievement, success, or happiness, their initial reaction may not be to feel genuine joy. Instead, they might experience intensified feelings of envy, resentment, or a sense of inferiority.

Understanding the Trait of Envy in Narcissists

Empirical studies have indicated that envy predominantly serves as a cornerstone of emotional responses in narcissists. A Nature Human Behaviour study pointed out that the experience of envy in narcissists is significantly higher compared to non-narcissistic individuals. This envy often manifests in two forms:

Costly Envy: The desire to exact revenge or undermine the success of the person, often manifesting in manipulative or destructive behaviors. Introjective Envy: A feeling of self-loathing or detachment, which can lead to behaviors aimed at boosting one's own self-esteem by diminishing perceived competition.

The Role of Media in Unveiling Others’ Happiness

In today's digital age, media platforms, such as social media and online news, serve as a constant stream of information about others' lives. These platforms often present a curated and idealized version of reality which can exacerbate feelings of insecurity and inadequacy in narcissists. For example, the proliferation of influencers, celebrities, and high-profile individuals sharing their achievements on social media can emulate a superficial and unattainable standard of success.

Instability in Narcissists' Emotional Responses

The variability in a narcissist's emotional response to positive news can also be influenced by their perception of the relationship between the person in question and themselves. If the individual in the good fortune story is someone they do not know or do not have a direct connection with, such as a person they read about online, their emotional response might be different. They might feel less affiliation and, as such, less influence from the presented feelings of the other person.

Common Scenarios and Their Impact

Let's consider common scenarios where a narcissist might face external good news:

News of a Friend's Success: A narcissist might feel a twinge of bitterness or even a sense of being threatened by their friend's success. This is particularly true if the friend is seen as a rival in terms of status or recognition. Online Stories of Strangers’ Joy: For a narcissist, reading about a stranger's positive life event, like a job promotion or the birth of a child, might lead to feelings of emptiness rather than happiness. They might even experience a surge in negative emotions, as the story serves as a stark reminder of their perceived shortcomings. Celebrity Success: The news of a celebrity's success may trigger a sense of loss of identity or a fear of replacement in a narcissist's mind. This can lead to hostile or gloomy reactions rather than joy at the subject's happiness.

Conclusion

While some might think that a narcissist would be overjoyed when reading good news about someone else, empirical evidence and psychological studies suggest a very different outcome. Instead of happiness, narcissists often experience a range of negative emotions, such as envy, resentment, and jealousy. The way in which media outlets present these positive stories can significantly influence their emotional state. Understanding the dynamic between narcissists and external good news can help in navigating and recognizing their emotional responses in various contexts.