We cannot deny that the primary way society communicates today is through social media. People post photographs in order to preserve memories and refresh their Facebook feeds just seconds after they close the tab. In today's world, new and unexpected posts from people who we follow are what keep our generation talking.

As a young adult living in today's society, I have learned that while social media has its perks, it can be detrimental to the well-being of individuals, especially those who invest multiple hours a day scrolling through their feeds. While social media brings many of us together, it also can tear people apart- especially the one who is posting the content.

While we are all probably aware that social media can have its downfalls, it doesn't stop many from us from feeling the need to impress others, rather than just appreciating the life that we're blessed to be living. I can admit to doing this as well, we probably all can, but feeding into what society wants to see becomes a priority, whether we want to admit it or not. Some of us, myself included, wait on line to be seated at restaurants in the city that have "Instagram-worthy" desserts, or visit places that we know will be a perfect place for a new profile picture, and that's okay. I am not saying that social media is entirely fragmented in what is provides for individuals. It is okay, and most of all, encouraged to experience decadent and joyful moments and share them with the world. However, we shouldn't be doing this in order to impress the people viewing the content we're posting, we should be doing it for ourselves.

What we must remember is that most often, people only show the best of themselves. Therefore, they're typically only posting the best pictures they take, one of the hundreds of photos they took of the sunset trying to get the perfect angle, and the times they're out doing something, such as mingling at a party or social gathering. People should not feel as if the only way they can fit in is by posting a picture saying that they are out doing something, rather than sitting at home enjoying a day to themselves. People should not feel as if they cannot post a picture of themselves having fun unless they look absolutely perfect. We shouldn't feel like we have to live this way.

This year, I encourage you to try and make social media less of a priority. Focus on the beauty of appreciating things in the moment. It doesn't mean you can't post a picture of the appealing food that you ordered or the picture you feel the most confident in, but having prioritizing living life sincerely rather than living life for the photo is essential in order to find true happiness.