We forget easily that even if our lives on Instagram are set to "private," that whatever we post is never truly gone. I grew up in a time where not many people had social media. Now I'm not saying that I don't use it and am not on it often, but I'm here to state the exact opposite.

I fall into its trap. I notice that everyone, especially those exposed to Instagram earlier on, fall into its trap much quicker.

This, ladies and gentlemen, is the trap of validation from others. We post a picture and if someone does not look at it, like it, acknowledge it, comment on it, or tag you in a picture, we take it as a completely direct insult. We feel like we are not enough and frankly, that is ridiculous.

Then there is the age of Finsta, where we post details about our personal lives that has a VIP exclusive list of people who view it. But, honestly, it's creepy. Do you really want to put out all of your information on your daily life on the internet like that?

People talk. There is this thing called "screenshots." Nothing is private anymore.

Please watch episode 1 of "You," on Netflix and tell me how great Instagram is after that.

We forget our sense of privacy because we want to "prove" ourselves to everyone else who's trying to prove themselves.

Like okay, we get it. You went on some extreme vacation, you dyed your hair, you drank coffee, you blinked. I get it. Again, I'm not saying I don't post. The thing here is, I realize it's destroying humanity. Where are the real connections?

Have you ever gone somewhere and not pulled out your phone to take a picture or record and immediately post it? I've found that many of the times that I have had an amazing time, are the ones where I have very little evidence of that event. Why? Because I was living in the moment!

It's okay to post. I'm not stating the opposite. It's okay to record an event because that is how you capture memories. Heck, I'm all for it!

But, when we rely on things like Instagram just for likes, don't let it get to you. If you have 53 likes and a friend of yours gets 368 likes on one picture, that does not make you any less better than them. Sometimes I aimlessly like pictures without knowing what I'm doing.

All I am asking is, can you relate?

I don't want to be alone in this. We need a healthy balance. Social media helps us connect in many ways, but it also has the power to destroy our connections. Like any tool, it's up to us to use it correctly.