Miss Know it All #3

Hello! I completely understand how you feel– it is totally normal! Social media plasters pictures of perfect people living the perfect lives. When we look at ourselves, we start to wonder, why isn’t that me? Slowly, we start to get insecure and less confident in our abilities. Social media can force harsh standards on us, and show an “ideal” way of living. It can start to feel like everyone else is out having fun or being productive, while we’re stuck in our rooms scrolling through the latest posts. Over time, this becomes a vicious cycle– we become self aware that scrolling is toxic and the comparisons are inevitable, but we cannot stop.

The most important thing to remember about social media is that it displays people at their best. Behind the beautiful smiles and perfect poses are a million other pictures deemed “less than worthy” of being posted. Most people aren’t going to post a picture when they look bad– we take pictures during fun times, times when we look and feel good. The posts you see while scrolling is a result of a person perfectly curating their account to fit a certain aesthetic. Their lives may look completely different in reality. No matter how ideal, how dreamlike someone might seem online, always remember: you don’t know what they are going through. You only see their happy, best moments, but never the full picture. 

My advice to you isn’t to completely ditch social media. Social media has proved to be beneficial, if used moderately. However, there is a thin line between social media lifting us up versus pulling us down. It can help encourage us to work out, eat healthier, or spend more time outside; but it can also make us feel guilty about “not doing enough.” What’s important is to find a balance between these forms of content. The best way to guard your self-esteem from social media is to know the realities of the content you are consuming. Nobody is perfect, and it is important to remember that. Confidence cannot be gained overnight, but it can be improved in small, incremental pieces. Slowly, you will start to feel happier and more secure with yourself, despite what you see online. I wish you luck on your journey!

XOXO, Ms. KIA