No evidence is found for the idea that envy acts as a useful motivator. The authors go on to say that greater envy is associated with slower growth of psychological well-being in the future. So you could again make a contra-Birtchen Russell argument. Like, envy is really a terrific impetus for us to get better ourselves. And at least this paper is making the argument that no, it doesn't make you grow up faster.
What does social media do to our self-esteem? How is envy affecting our politics? And should you go to your high school reunion?
Take the Seven Deadly Sins survey: freakonomics.com/nsq-sins/