Social media has become such a part of people's everyday lives, especially the younger generations. People put everything on social media. Instagram has become so popular that people can now be "Instagram famous." This means that they have a lot of followers and really good posts. I have noticed that Instagram has even changed the way that people feel about each other, or about themselves. What do I mean by this?
Instagram is changing relationships.
I have noticed that sometimes guys (or girls) will base the way they feel about someone off of their Instagram. For example, if a girl takes great pictures for Instagram and has a lot of followers, a guy may like her more than someone who is naturally beautiful and may not have as many followers on Instagram. This does not hold true for everyone of course, but I have noticed this has become a thing. Instagram has become a sort of virtual reality. If you let it get in your head it can become more and more of reality.
Instagram has changed the way people feel about themselves, too.
There are so many health icons who do social media cleanses. I personally think that it is a great idea to do them. Scrolling through Instagram can actually make you depressed. I have heard friends and family say this as well. When you go on Instagram, you are only seeing the things that people want you to see in their lives. You have NO IDEA what else might be going on. So, when you scroll, more often than not you are seeing people at their happiest. This can make you question why you aren't so happy. Or, why do you not have as many likes as someone? Also, people edit their photos a lot. So, you really have no way of telling what is real and what is not. And if it is not edited, then it was taken at the best angle. It is always good to keep these things in mind so you do not fall into the false reality that Instagram can create if you let it.
All that being said, I am not trying to bash Instagram. I think it is great to keep up with friends and to make/keep connections. It is also great for marketing. However, taking social media cleanses and reminding yourself that you are only seeing what people want you to see is a good way to go about it. Remember that social media does not define you.
