Social media is not real life. I repeat. Social media is NOT REAL LIFE.
So now you can stop thinking that other people have a better, more successful, more fun life than yours. Feel better? Not yet huh? Ok let’s keep going.
Social media is anything but social if you really think about it. How often do you take out your phone and start scrolling when you could be having a conversation with a real, living, breathing human? I’m definitely guilty of that. How often do you look at the time and 2 hours have gone by and you have not been productive because you decided to check Facebook for a quick second? How often do you feel mediocre, not pretty enough, or boring because of how other people portray their lives?
It can’t just be me right? *nervous laugh*
The key word in that sentence is portray. No one is going to post their failing grades, bad news, etc. because it does not provide any entertainment or ego boost. We take 10 selfies and figure out which one looks just right then almost post it and chicken out because you think your nose looks like a bell pepper from that angle. We see other people post their Sunday best and we have no idea what their life is really like. They could be severely depressed, borderline homeless, in a terrible relationship with that smiling significant other and we would be none the wiser.
Why should you make yourself feel terrible over something you know is not real and adds no value to your life? Why should you post that picture so that the likes make you feel better about yourself? I do like social media because it can provide comic relief and there are some awesome people who are transparent and honest. I love seeing content creators and just really dope people. However, I find social media to be draining sometimes.
You might be thinking: Girl you sound like an insecure hater. Social media is not that deep. Why does someone else’s happiness make you question your worth?
Good question. Engagements, graduations, and other awesome life events are uplifting to see. I love to see people prospering in life and love. That’s not what I’m referring to. I’m talking about the people that only brag and boast. A lot of people see an unreal lifestyle portrayal and want to emulate it. All of those things will leave you so unfulfilled and unhappy in the end.
Here are some other ways to spend your time online when you need a break from the perfection police:
Use your phone in other ways.
I love to go on Pinterest, listen to podcasts (2 Dope Queens and Criminal are my favorites!), or read articles about topics that I’m interested in.
Read e-books or take e-courses for things you are interested in.
Money management, graphic design, DIY tutorials etc.
Watch vlogs
I can appreciate vlogs because (most of the time) people are being very transparent into what their life is really like, not a perfect persona.
Use other apps.
Fitness apps, Gaming apps, and The Bible app are a few of my favorites
