What Lies Behind Instagram’s Happy Life?

First things first: Welcome to my new blog :) I’m going to discuss everyday questions, things to think about, interesting new viewpoints and much more ‘food for thought’ topics. I wish you a great time reading these writings!

Technology is the 'portal' that transports us to our 'perfect' life

I was talking with a friend of mine recently and at one point we were discussing Instagram and how it affects our self-image and confidence. Instagram is one of the most famous social media platforms of our times; almost everyone has an account where we post things about our lives, (dis)likes, relationships, achievements, and much more. But, have you noticed how ‘competitively’ happy and socially active everyone is on Instagram? If you look at the Instagram profile of someone you don’t really know, you might think that that individual is the most outgoing and confident person on earth (even when this might not be the case in real life). Then, you start feeling bad about yourself, you start comparing, and you try to find ways to change your life in order to become more ‘socially acceptable’. I know we just met, but I’ll tell you a secret (you most likely know this but here goes): Instagram is just a nicely coated ‘front’ that only tells you the happy side of the world and of people’s lives. It rarely happens that people choose to talk about their daily struggles and challenges; there’s a general ‘feel’ that you’re going to be judged if you 100% show who you are: a unique human being, dealing with life like everyone else does. Instead, it’s almost like we want to have this other life online where we have no struggles, all we do is travel, eat good food, hang out with friends, and never have a sad moment.

The question I have is: Why do we do this? Do we fear that we’re going to face judgment instead of support if we show our real struggles? Even if that is the case, it has become so, because we made it (social media) to be like this. My point is simple: if we show the hard moments along the happy and exciting ones, maybe then, we can help each other to not raise expectations that might be a bit too high about life and achievement of happiness. Let me ask you this: why do you need people to see your ‘perfect’ life, without its beautiful flaws and unique struggles? Why not help them (and yourself) accept the fact that life’s not only black and white, but there’s a magnificently beautiful array of colours? Everyone paints their own canvas and it is beautiful and priceless just the way it is, as long as it’s authentic and complete ;)

Recently I’ve seen myself change a lot; I’ve learned that there’s no shame in struggling or having everyday challenges. On the contrary, even expressing your difficulties might give you the opportunity to find someone who can help or just be there for you. This writing’s purpose is not to discourage the use of Instagram (or any other social media platform); I’m merely encouraging you to be as honest as you can about things that bother you, and about life; there’s nothing more beautiful than when you can find people that have gone through the same thing you’re going through, and who are there for you with advice or even with their presence (virtual and/or physical).

So, I’ll just close this with a quote by Jen Sincero who says “As far as self-confidence goes, so much of social media is about approval, getting likes, comparing our lives to others' - meanwhile, confidence is an inside job: it's about how you feel about yourself regardless of what anyone else does or thinks. It's a knowing that you're human, you're flawed, and you're awesome in your own way.” Now I’m telling you, just think about this: if you accept yourself and life just as it is, the world around is going to be so much brighter and truly happier ;)

‘Till next time…