Being a Millennial, (born between 1982-2004) it is clear that I face comparisons that are different than previous generations.
One day as I was deep in thought, I noticed how different our world must be from when our grandparents were younger. Even I noticed a difference between me and my brother! (an 8 year gap.) There is no hiding that there is definitely an increase of technology and communication. Before I am certain that our grandparents never thought that they could talk to people from the other side of the earth at that given moment. Now that is a norm. I go to a school thousands of miles away from my home, but that hasn't stopped me from talking to my parents and friends everyday. People are now right at our fingertips. Don't get me wrong, I am more than thankful to be able to have the technology to keep relationships strong no matter where you are, but I noticed one big difference.... and that is the comparison we face.
I pulled out some cucumbers and hummus from my mini fridge and started eating and scrolling on Instagram. It hit me, that I can be sitting in my dorm room eating, and compare my lunch to somebody else's on the other side of the globe. Same goes for when I get ready for the day, it is at my fingertips to compare my body, and my outfit to others in different places, and even in completely different walks of life!
I noticed how much our generation does this! We compare what we see others doing, even if we don't notice it. The most dangerous aspect about this, is that most things we compare, aren't even comparable! Somebody's lunch on the other side of the earth, can't even compared to my average dorm room lunch.... and that is OK! I shouldn't be comparing my outfit, or even my life for that matter with somebody in a totally different walk of life. It can be tough to not do this, and I am not saying to get off of social media... but I am saying to be aware. Instagram was only created in 2010! That is not even 10 years ago. As well as other young social media platforms. There used to be none of that.
Now, I don't want to paint a picture that says our ancestors and grandparents didn't face ANY comparisons. I am sure they did. I am just saying, that as a millennial, we face it differently, and more things are readily at our fingertips. I believe we are more prone to compare ourselves to things that aren't even comparable!
So next time you scroll on social media, make sure you realize there is nothing to be compared.
