Don't Post It For The Likes
Start writing a post
Student Life

Don't Post It For The Likes

I found myself in the middle of some of the best life experiences and only thinking how should I capture and post the memories on social media. Here are three ways to withdraw from feeling do need to post cool things all the time.

29
Don't Post It For The Likes
Huffington Post

During my recent trip to Spain, I visited Valencia with my family and stumbled upon big, plastic, squishy, diaphanous hamster balls (more affectionately known as zorbs). These plastic hamster balls have always interested me, especially after I heard so much about them for my friends who visited the La Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias two years earlier. I had always imagined how fun it would be to finally sit in one myself. Plus, it promised for a super cute Insta pic.

But here's the catch. My family and I stumbled upon these Zorbs as we were walking around the city, a day earlier than we expected. Unluckily, none of us had our phones on us. Therefore, my parents gave my sister and I the option of trying the balls now or returning the next day. While my sister immediately said yes, I hesitated. Honestly, I really wanted to take a cute picture of the hamster ball. I mean I had way too for two years for that perfect lighting, right? But then I realized that living in the moment was much more important than any picture I could take on the entire trip. So I went for it.

As I stumbled around the hamster bowl, I could not anticipate the sheer amount of adrenaline that was rushing through my veins as I frantically stumbled around. For 10 perfect minutes, I channeled my inner child with no thoughts about what I looked like. My hair was all over the place and perspiration was sticking all over my body in that slightly suffocating (but ironically liberating) hamster ball. By not having to worry about taking a picture to show to the world, I was truly able to live in the present. Plus, when we returned the next day, our tour guide whisked us around and we wouldn't have had time to stop anyways.

Looking back, I'm hoping to lesson my thirst for social media with the intent of living my current life more consciously and with more purpose. It's going to be easier said than done, so I've compiled three tips to help us all slowly lessen, if not completely eliminate, our need to always post on social media.

1. Ask why


Why are you posting on social media? Are you trying to spread the word about something? Are you trying to be cool? Are you posting for yourself? There's no right answer here, but it's helpful to take this into perspective. Consider why you choose to post and what you choose to post.

2. Post in good faith


Coming to terms with the above question may help identify a few things about the image you are creating on social media, especially if you are trying to impress. If that's the case, you are not being the true you. You are a unique and special snowflake so don't be someone you aren't just to get more likes. We've all been told to act in good faith and to be yourself, so why not post in good faith, too?

3. Log out


If you're anything like me, getting even one social media notification opens a Pandora's Box. You don't just open the app to check the number of life's on or picture, but you definitely spend additional time looking at other media too. Now if this is a stressful time or important time, like exam week, I always log out of addicting social media apps for two reasons. First of all, it is simply a distraction. Second, it's always disheartening this see other people who seem like they are having the time of their lives while you are at home (probably by yourself). If you need to, delete the app completely from your phone. You will still have your account and you can always re-download the app later if you choose to do so.

I challenge you to at least log out of your favorite social media for a few days and be aware of living in the moment. Do you view your life any differently?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
brown leopard on top of grey rock

With its stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and exciting cities, South Africa is a must-visit destination for any traveller. Great News… it's more affordable than you might think. With the current USD to Rand exchange rate, it's possible for 2 people to travel around this beautiful country for under $1200. But to do so, you'll need some insider knowledge and tips from local students and travel enthusiasts. In this blog, we'll share some of the best hacks to help you explore South Africa on a shoestring budget. From wildlife spotting to city adventures, we've got you covered. So grab your backpack and let's get started!

Safety

Exploring South Africa will be an adventure, but let's not ignore the fact that you’ll be a tourist and some areas are not considered safe. Don’t worry, I’ve only included the tourist-friendly spots.

Keep Reading...Show less
A Thank You Letter To My Dance Teachers

Here's to the women that encouraged, disciplined, and loved on me! If it wasn't for you all coaching me through out dance and throughout my life, I think I would probably be on the crazy train to what the good-golly-gee-wiz am I doing with my life?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Dating A 'Type-A' Girl

It is all worth it in the end.

8407
Dating A 'Type-A' Girl
freshmorningquotes.com

You have probably been asked before if you were a Type-A or Type-B personality. People who are considered to be "Type A" tend to be impatient, competitive and ambitious. They know exactly what they want to do and when they want to do it. Then there are people who are considered "Type B." People with Type-B personality are just all around more relaxed. There isn't much that is going to stress them out.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

This is Keanu Reeves - The One

Sandra Bullock shares her experience of Reeves and how the ones most broken from inside are the ones most willing to help others.

3303
This is Keanu Reeves - The One

Keanu Reeves is known not only for his iconic roles in films like "The Matrix" and "John Wick," but also for his kind-hearted and humble nature, which is somewhat rare in Hollywood. He's also known for his philanthropic work, although he rarely talks about it. He runs a private foundation that funds children's hospitals and cancer research. Recently, Sandra Bullock told us just how he is an amazing human being:

Keep Reading...Show less
Content Inspiration

Top 3 Response Articles of This Week

Read about the hottest summer topics!

3242
Person Reading On The Beach During The Summer
Pexels

Happy Memorial Day weekend from Odyssey! Here are the top 3 response articles of last week for your beach reading:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments