Today, more and more people use social media as a way to share their experiences with the world and make new friends. However, it’s easy to get hooked on social media and have high hopes for yourself when you’re not actually living in the real world. In this post, we’ll use a real-world example to compare and contrast the perspectives of social media addicts and non-addicts.
The Addict’s Fallacy: “The Grass Is Always Greener On The Other Side”
Social media addicts are prone to the trap of constantly comparing themselves to others. It’s possible they’ll feel unworthy and think everyone else has it better than they do. Anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem are all symptoms that may result from adopting such a perspective. Young people’s “anxiety, depression, self-identity, and body image” as the primary causes for their poor experience on Instagram were found in a study by the Royal Society for Public Health.
The Downside of Social Media Addiction as an Example
Ex-Instagram star Essena O’Neill, who formerly had over 500,000 fans, is a tragic example of the downsides of social media. Her decision to leave social media in 2015, claiming its detrimental effects on her mental health, made headlines around the world. O’Neill admitted that the photos she put online were not a true reflection of her life as it actually was. “I was hooked on the feeling of being accepted by others,” she admitted. Instead of existing in the world as it actually is, I was existing in the realm of social media. A society where popularity, rather than authenticity, is valued.
“I am enough” is the mantra of the non-addicted.
Those who aren’t glued to the platform realize that what others show on social media is only the best of their lives. They are happy with who they are and don’t waste time comparing themselves to others. They understand that popularity on social media platforms is not indicative of true value. Instead of seeking approval, they utilize social media to find motivation and make new friends.
Asking the Right Questions: Do you use social media for motivation and connection, or do you need the approval of others to feel good about yourself? How often do you look at someone else’s social media account and wonder how their life compares to yours?
“Social media can be a powerful tool for inspiration and connection, but it can also lead to addiction and unrealistic expectations,” Keep in mind that the only person you should be judging yourself against is yesterday’s version of yourself.
In conclusion, social media addiction can damage your mental health and cause inflated expectations. A non-addicted mindset can be developed, however, by accepting one’s own unique worth and realizing that the online world is an inaccurate reflection of reality. Keep in mind that social media is most useful as a source of motivation and connection, not as a source of approval. If you find the topic interesting and want to connect, contact me.
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