Let me start this off by saying that I LOVE Instagram. I think it's the greatest way to connect with others and share our lives through photos, but I think that sometimes it goes too far.

We all know the potential damage Instagram and other social media has on our inner selves. We've heard story after story, statistic after statistic about how it is making millennials depressed as we see highlights of other's lives and compare ours to theirs. We know we have increased numbers of body dysmorphia and eating disorders because we constantly see thin, beautiful people and feel that we don't measure up. But we know all of this, and that's only partly why Instagram is ruining our lives.

The other way it is killing us from the inside out is that people don't do things to DO them anymore, they do them to Instagram it later. When I go have a lake day with my friends, half the time no one actually wants to go IN the water, they want to keep their hair dry in case we want to take a cute picture later.

On a recent trip to Peru, we were standing at Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world, and I swear most people didn't even LOOK at it. All they cared about was getting the perfect Instagram. Of course, my friend and I spent a few too many minutes trying to get a picture-perfect photo, I'll admit.

But we did it after we took our tour and heard about the incredible history of the place, not during the tour when we were supposed to enjoy this historic wonder. I swear some of those people trying to get the perfect picture did not spend even one full minute looking with their own two eyes at this place they would later post a caption about, claiming to love.

I know people that literally go on bluff hikes to take a picturesque photo at the top to post on Instagram, rather than to actually hike the bluffs. I know people that go out to brunch to take an aesthetic pic rather than to enjoy their food and friends. I've heard people go downtown to get a cute Insta with their friends rather than to dance and meet up with people. It's okay to be there to do both, but if getting the perfect Insta is THAT big a part of your outing, it's safe to say Instagram might be ruining your life.

I like pictures more than most people. I am always the person in the friend group who suggests a group photo and saves every snapchat to my phone to reminisce about later. But there is a point where making memories turns to wanting likes, and when we stop actually participating in our lives and simply record them.

I'm all for Instagram and cute photos - I'm as guilty as the next person for spending too much time getting a great pic - but I don't think Instagram should be the main event when you go out with your friends, just a record of it.