In today's society, it seems as though we are trapped in a never-ending cycle of comparison and self-deprecation. Social media — we've all heard that it's horrible and awful and that it's really "un-social media," yet we continue to scroll mindlessly and look at people's lives in tiny squares that we then compare to our own. I'm not one to tell you to quit all social media and go off the grid like Ron Swanson, but I am here to tell you to limit your time on these platforms.

Our generation has its own set of strengths and weaknesses, but I think our greatest downfall is that we are all glued to our phones — missing several opportunities throughout the day to just be present in the precious moments we are given with our friends and family. It's no wonder that with the rise in social media, there has also been a rise in depression and anxiety among teens and adults alike. Maybe it's time we unplug and get plugged in more often.

Maybe the world would be a happier and better place if we stopped looking at it through a screen and started looking at it through our own eyes. I'm just as guilty as the next person when it comes to time spent on my phone and the various social networks, i.e. Instagram and Snapchat (who doesn't love a good meme now and then?!?). But, I find that I'm able to appreciate my life more whenever I stop comparing it to somebody else's highlights. Let's face it — we're never going to post about when we had a rough day or the crap hit the fan.

I think we all need to open up to each other more because vulnerability and honesty go a lot further than pretending to have your life figured out and all of your junk together — honestly, who does??

Regardless of what's in the media, let's spread more love and be more genuine — maybe it could start by all of us putting our phones away for an hour or two each day...