The other day I got a message from my mom saying I should think about changing my Instagram. She reminded me that my relatives follow me and I should be aware of that. Now, my Instagram is something I really work to keep coherent and aesthetically pleasing. I love photography and posting a cute Insta is the easiest way to share that passion with the world.

I was taken back by her saying that it wasn’t properly representing me to the world. Honestly, I was offended because to me, its a collection of memories I couldn't be more proud of. I immediately went to vent to my friends and it turns out, a lot of them had faced the reality I had; older generations criticized them as well.

Knowing I wasn’t alone, I started to wonder, what about this generation bothered those above us so much. I love how my generation is so incredibly body positive, so openminded, and I know that these characteristics benefit our society as a whole.

My generation has a positivity to it unlike so many others. We are a generation of dreamers in a world of violence, anger and conflict. We are accepting and we fight for everyone to be accepted and respected. We are involved and ready to fight for change.

All of these things together are remarkable but still, we face criticism. Thats the crazy thing about generations. Each generation gets better and better and builds on the characteristics of those above it and yet they receive criticism from the generation it was built on.

I felt the need to go through my Instagram to find what could have possibly provoked such disappointment in my family. And to my surprise, there wasn't a single thing I could find that wasn’t acceptable for a 19 year old college student to post.

My mother had mentioned that the language used was poor, and still I was unable to find a real issue. Is it so wrong to comment on my best friends post “you're so fucking hot” or “damn thats my best friend”?

I think that at this point in my life as an adult, I’m allowed to say a few “bad words”. I also got comments on my lack of proper clothing and I wondered is it wrong to post a few pictures showing the body I am so proud to own?

As a woman, and as a legal adult, I am tried of people telling me how and how not to present myself to the world. I know I want to be seen as the creative, fun, loving person I know I am. I am blessed with great friends and great opportunities to travel and explore. I don’t think there is anything wrong with sharing that, and neither should you.

Social media does have the ability to change how you are perceived in the world for the worse if you are careless and not mindful of course. But, when your typical friday night outfit is causing controversy, you shouldn't let it offend you.

I think social media is an incredible tool we are lucky to have grown up with. I want every one to be able to proudly post to represent themselves in the purest sense. Don’t be scared to show off who you are.

In fact, do it, show off every inch of yourself inside and out. Whats so wrong about being an open book? We are in an inevitable circle of generations criticizing those younger then them and thats okay. Just don't let this circle make you rethink who you are and how you show that to the world.