There is no easier way to see who is prettier, skinnier, healthier, smarter, has the definition of "relationship goals" (whatever that even means any more) than on Instagram. Bloggers have thrived, and models have been discovered. The self-promo is real, and so is the loss of self-esteem.
What we post are highlight reels of our lives, but what we think of are the millions of behind the scenes moments experienced daily. You know the ones I'm talking about.... like when you sat on your couch for a whole day binge watching a Netflix series. Or when you broke your "diet" for an extremely unhealthy breakfast of cinnamon and peanut butter French Toast (with a side of bacon). Maybe it was when you made a to-do list for the day and didn't complete any of it or have simply been having too much fun, if you know what I mean.
All in all, you feel like you're a walking catastrophe, with an overactive imagination full of unrealistic, but potential outcomes of just about every situation that could occur within the course of 24 hours.
And on those days, what do you do? Go on Instagram, of course.
I am 100% guilty of giving up, procrastinating, failing. We all are. The problem is when we start comparing what we identify as defeats to other's accomplishments, all from behind a screen. For example, eating that (delicious) French Toast isn't going to kill me once in a while, I know that. But, what is killing me is comparing myself to the vegans of Instagram, or women with flatter stomachs and toner arms. In my head I think, "those girls would never eat this, so I shouldn't either." It takes all my effort to remind myself I should not strive to be them.
Power to those that make it seem like they are able to live a perfect lifestyle 24/7, but it's exhausting to feel like I am not enough because of the ridiculous expectations I have bound myself to, based on what people post and the media/ Hollywood's definition of success and beauty.
To worsen the gross feeling of being insecure, I feel even more ashamed for even thinking these things because I was raised to have strong values, which would help me recognize my true priorities. Never would I have imagined myself to admire and obsess over people I have never even met before.
The root of all insecurities is comparison. With this knowledge, how dare I let these annoying, negative thoughts seep into my brain? Still, I stalk people who are paid to eat right, and look like they are the happiest of humans. I wonder what is the secret of the girl who has it all, an internship, job, social life, is physically fit and still manages to have a 4.0 gpa... and then I take a look at my own profile, absolutely disgusted I am not her.
But, to someone else I am the girl who does have it all.
The reality is we just don't know someone else's reality. It is impossible to post pictures of how it feels to have a broken heart, your inner most thoughts, embarrassing moments, the days when the thought of getting out of bed makes you want to sob.
Sure, we can try to practice honesty and openness online, but there is only so much a box and caption can allow someone to know the real you.
This is common knowledge, and yet after thousands of times of reminding myself appearances are appearances because they tend to deceive, I still fall prey of being unable to admire someone else's physical, emotional, academic, or life successes without immediately questioning my own worth.
If you feel the same as I do, let this article serve as a voice from the girl you wish you were, because whoever she may be chances are she is comparing herself to someone else too.
