What we present online isn’t always as it seems. Those friends of yours who appear to have the perfect body, marriage, children, job, and lifestyle most likely do not. Realize that you are only getting half of the story if that, and that’s the more glamorous half. The hard times everyone goes through are rarely displayed there.
When we sign into our social media accounts, we are inundated with common images. Smiling faces. Money and success. Picture perfect moments. Extraordinary circumstances. Envious lifestyles. People’s lives look pretty darn perfect. But it’s not always real life.
If you are going to post, maybe consider holding yourself accountable for what you choose to share.
That doesn’t mean never showing those amazing moments, but maybe it’s done through a more realistic lens. Be aware of the positives and negatives of social media. Flashy posts often give people a high when they get a lot of likes and comments on them. It boosts egos and can be addictive.
Now, I’m not against social media. I use it frequently and, admittedly, don’t post many negative things. But I am authentic. This platform has its place and can be a great way to keep in contact with people and promote yourself. It is a valuable way to reach people on a larger scale. But it is unhealthy for social media to be viewed as anything other than mostly skewed.
Social media may make it look like everyone lives their best 24/7, but don’t be fooled. They are not. We might spend a lot of time in that world, but don’t spend so long there that you lose yourself in the process.
Many people spend over two hours a day scrolling through social media. I do wonder if this is altering our identities. It most certainly can affect our mental health. You can be whoever and whatever you want behind a screen. It is a fact that some people we know do have enviable aspects of their lives. However, that’s the keyword right there: “Aspects.” Most people struggle with difficulties, low confidence, mental health issues, and relationship struggles at some time or another. The grass isn’t always greener.
Regardless of our habits on social media, we focus more on real-life relationships and less on virtual ones. Real human interaction through phone calls and in-person meetings should be prioritized over showcasing and communicating on Instagram or Facebook.
