It’s been said that the most exciting moments in life are the ones where we are too busy enjoying ourselves to think about anything else.
So why is it that, what 'looks' like the most fun is what always makes it onto social media?
Why is it that social media has completely dominated every aspect of our lives, comparing and contrasting ourselves with others lives online? It has just caused us to believe that we need to show everyone else when we are having a good time, and in itself worsens our time.
Everyone is so concerned with their image to the outside world that they forget why they went to go do something in the first place.
Have you ever gone on a hike and when you reach the peak, adrenalin pumping, asked your friend, S.O., or family member for a photo for your Instagram? What happened next? A 15-minute long fight because every shot wasn't perfect? A few rolled eyes, maybe a scoff. A trudge down the mountain and no 'perfect' Insta shot.
Don't feel bad, we've all been there.
People are always forgetting to search for their own self-fulfillment, and instead, they live their lives for their social media instead of the other way around.
This just leaves us more prone to self-doubt, anxiety, and depression, and more.
When we asked a few middle schoolers, "What the worst thing that had happened to you on social media?," their responses typically revolved around disappointment with their best friends hanging out without them and posting about it, and their friends denying that they hung out without them, and posting about it, according to CNN.
As college women, we can easily relate to these feelings and all have felt a time where social media has caused us to feel excluded.
On top of that, we use social media in a way that lowers our self-esteem. We are so busy comparing ourselves to people online that we forget to value ourselves for who we are and we miss out on living in the moment. This is an important idea that most girls and guys forget because they are too involved in dwelling on unrealistic expectations set forth by everyone on social media.
What I think is in a world where everyone is overexposed, the coolest thing you can do is maintain your mystery.
Think about that next time you’re on your phone at a party taking a panorama of the scene to post on your story, or at a concert watching through a tiny screen when you could be watching it live with your friends.
Now, I'm not saying don't post. Post. But post once. And post something authentic, take one or two pictures and leave it, edit a little but don't make yourself crazy. Sharing your life with the world is exciting, but it's not a competition.
And when Monday comes and everyone's asking about what your Chinese takeout and movie marathon, where you went to the beach, or if Demi Lovato is any good live, you can thank me then.
And when you get jealous of someone else's fire caption, or cute squad pic, cause we know it will happen. And wish you were that 'happy', think about using your time more wisely. Stop wallowing and start focusing on where you are now. Instead of lurking online, take some time to think, chat with others, even if it's just your cat, daydream, take your dog for a run, or walk, get some exercise, and enjoy nature.
These are the moments that matter. Don’t let them lose their value by not being fully present for them.
Put your phone away. Be here now.