You may have realised by now I have negative views to social media. Yes, I’m still active on it but I do sometimes have to remind myself that it isn’t healthy. The need to compete with others and show that you are “#living the best life” is scary. And I have fallen into that trap in the past. I think everyone does it, but it tends to come after a break-up, falling out or being rejected. It’s the need to prove myself, the need to show people that your worth something.
I always think of those celebrities that have been bullied and have then shown the world what their worth is. I think about this a lot and sometimes want to show people who have wronged me or upset me how amazing I am. And I think that having that list of things will be the way to do that. Stupid isnt it! I know I’m not alone in this idea. I call it the Instagram effect. Wanting something to show people; to brag to people. Life should not be that.
It’s a hard thing to remember. I know even my mom sometimes questions her life due to the Instagram effect and she has 4 children, 2 grandchildren, 3 cats, her own home and much more. But because she isn’t going abroad or going out for cocktails with the girls, makes her think her life isnt interesting and she should be doing more. But because you don’t put it out there doesn’t mean your life is boring.
Life can’t be entertaining all the time and sometimes the most boing moments are the best. Sometimes the best part of my week is sitting gorping at the tv having a glass of wine with my mom. Who really wants to see that on Instagram? Or going to my grandparents and having a 2pm nap together. But why do I need to prove to others my life is happy?
I think we all need to remember that the Instagram effect is a highly dangerous thing and just because you don’t have a “picture perfect life” not mean that you’ve failed at life. Your amazing matter what. Sitting in your pj’s, waking up on the bathroom floor after a heavy night out or geeking out over your favourite hobby. Live your life just for you. Put your best outfit on, feel amazing, take a picture then put your phone down.
Photos are memories but being there in the moment is so much more than focusing on the cyber world out there!
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