Last modified: 2025-10-17
Abstract
The phenomenon of flexing, or flaunting wealth and a luxurious lifestyle on social media, is very popular today. Although flexing serves as a means of self-expression and relationship building, the relationships formed are often shallow because they focus more on self-image and the search for recognition. This does not demonstrate authenticity and a sense of solidarity. Pope Francis, in his encyclical Laudato Si', criticized that the use of technology without moral maturity can give rise to a new egoism that makes people tend to see themselves and others only as tools to achieve goals. This study uses a literature review with a theological-moral approach and specifically analyzes Laudato Si' to understand the phenomenon of flexing. The goal is to examine how the culture of digital flaunting/flexing reflects a crisis of identity and relationships. Then, how Pope Francis' teachings provide a moral critique of it. Through the theological lens of Laudato Si', Pope Francis offers an alternative to this shallow flaunting culture: the restoration of true relationships based on love, simplicity, and gratitude.