From the outside, celebrities seem to live in a different universe—one filled with glamorous holidays, designer wardrobes, lavish homes, and a team of people making sure they look perfect.
But scroll through social media, and you’ll often see some of them venting or grumbling about their lives. It leaves many wondering—what do they really have to complain about?
According to psychotherapist Debbie Keenan, the answer is more complex than it looks.
She told the Daily Mail that moaning isn’t just a bad habit—it can actually be addictive, and even those living the high life can get trapped in it.
The Science Behind Our Tendency to Focus on the Negative
Keenan, a senior accredited therapist with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), explained that humans are naturally wired to notice threats.
Centuries ago, that might have meant keeping watch for predators like sabre-toothed tigers.
Today, it’s more likely to be things like traffic jams, delayed flights, or critical comments online.
This tendency, known as “negative bias,” means we often cling to bad experiences and let positive ones slip away.
“Imagine your mind as a net,” Keenan says. “The bad thoughts get caught and stick like Velcro, while the good ones fall right through.”
When Celebrity Complaints Hit the Wrong Nerve
Last month, former Love Island winner Molly-Mae Hague faced a backlash after telling her followers she hadn’t “done one fun thing all summer.”
Fans were quick to point out she’d recently enjoyed holidays in Dubai, France, and Spain, as well as a staycation at Center Parcs.
Even a trip to the Isle of Man in her partner Tommy Fury’s new £86,000 motorhome turned into a gripe session about traffic and disrupted routines for their daughter Bambi.
The complaints, captured in her vlogs, left some fans shaking their heads.
Why Social Media Isn’t the Best Place to Vent
Keenan says there’s nothing wrong with feeling frustrated, but where you express it matters.
Venting to millions of followers—many of whom look to celebrities for escapism—can come across as tone-deaf.
“It’s like standing on a pedestal in designer heels, complaining your feet hurt, while everyone else is barefoot,” she explains.
“Fans struggling to pay bills don’t want to hear someone moaning about a trip to Dubai.”
The Cycle of Complaints and Validation
Part of the problem, Keenan says, is that influencers often have a circle of people who won’t challenge them—along with an audience who keeps engaging, whether they agree or not.
This attention can reinforce the habit, making them more likely to post similar content.
And when views and interactions translate into income, there’s even less reason to stop.
“It becomes rooted,” Keenan warns. “They’ll keep doing it because it works.”
Deeper Reasons Behind Constant Negativity
Not all serial complainers are simply entitled. Keenan says some learned early in life that complaining was the only way to be heard.
Others may have low self-esteem or feel isolated.
“Incessant moaning can be a sign of unmet emotional needs,” she explains.
“But it can also push people away. Misery might love company, but too much of it leaves you lonely.”
When Negativity Spreads
Negativity isn’t just draining—it’s contagious. Keenan says it can spread through social circles and online communities just as easily as positivity can.
And once the habit becomes ingrained, it’s hard to break without conscious effort.
The Sister Act That Fueled More Criticism
Molly-Mae’s sister Zoe also made headlines after complaining that her five-star trip to Bali wasn’t as luxurious as she hoped, prompting her to leave early for Dubai.
This, combined with Molly-Mae’s own claims of a “rotten summer,” didn’t sit well with fans who recalled her multiple getaways and outings this year.
Practical Ways to Break the Habit
Keenan recommends tackling negative thoughts directly. One CBT technique is to write the thought down, list the evidence for and against it, and look at the facts—not just feelings.
She also encourages gratitude exercises to balance perspective.
“When you have a negative thought, take a breath,” she says.
“You don’t have to accept it—thoughts are not facts.”
The Takeaway
Whether you’re a global celebrity or someone scrolling on their lunch break, falling into a constant cycle of complaints can be easy—and breaking free takes effort.
But with awareness, self-reflection, and the right tools, it’s possible to shift the focus away from what’s wrong and start appreciating what’s right.