We spend countless hours staring at pictures of beautiful people on social media. We find ourselves comparing to these impossibly perfect people with their seemingly perfect lives and we hate ourselves for it. We are envious and narcissistic and we can't imagine what it would be like to one day wake up and not instantly wish that something was different in our lives.
But we don't have to.
Loving someone else's aesthetic doesn't mean you have to hate your own. Beauty is not a precise science. It is more than an array of ratios or instincts programmed into our mind. Beauty is an art and social media is the modern platform. We can choose to believe that social media is a bad guy that's turning our youth into heartless, self-obsessed islands or we can note that social media bridges a gap between our cultures. With social media. we get to express our individual styles and be recognized for our work around the world. Social media is the future of communication. To learn more about how to succeed with it, we have to learn to use it wisely. This starts with learning how to show ourselves love when we're using it.
1. Follow the people you love.
Bruno Gomiero
Learn about what drives them to do what they do. Make note of what specific characteristics you love about them and identify why.
2. Follow people who look like you or like the things you do.
Instagram: @nabela - Nabela Noor
There is an influencer for everyone out there. Seeing them in action will make you see that someone like you is beautiful and can do great things.
3. Remember they're human too.
Verne Ho
Sometimes, when we see "perfect" people on social media, we immediately dehumanize them and hold them to impossible standards. They will make mistakes and, if they're strong enough, share them with you.
4. Remember that you are unique
Nicole Harrington
You are special. No one will ever be just like you. Embrace your own beauty and interests and choose to learn from others rather than being envious.
5. Share yourself.
Ian Dooley
Social Media is about more than bragging. You could be the influencer that someone else needs. Maybe your work, life or art can boost someone else's self-esteem or help motivate them to share theirs.
6. Be constructive not destructive
Ezra Comeau-Jeffrey
If you have nothing beneficial to add, keep it moving. It takes a stronger person to be kind.
7. Ignore the haters.
Seth Doyle
Don't engage in a keyboard war. We've all had them but people will often project their own insecurities on others. Reacting to their comments in a negative way will only make things worse for both of you and it will show people watching how you handle these situations.
8. Learn and grow.
Gabriel Lopez
Constructive feedback is meant to better you. If feedback is a gift, then having a learner's mentality will only help you grow.
9. Remember that social media is a business.
Andrew Neel
Remember that everything you post online can be seen by everyone. Before you post anything, ask yourself if this is what you wish to represent to the public, including future employers.
10. Have fun.
Neko Tai
Don't get too caught up trying to keep up with others. Do what you love to do and enjoy yourself. When you genuinely love what you do, it translates and your followers will be engaged.
Post what you feel comfortable with. Post what makes you happy. Post what you find interesting and connect with those who share your interests or love what you do. Learn to be comfortable with yourself and others. Learn more about who you are and how you wish to grow. No one will be like just you and you will never be just like anyone else. Don't just like the pictures, like the people. Every single one of us is a piece of art and once you identify that and personify it, then you'll start truly appreciating social media for what it is, an art gallery for the wonder that is us.
