Yeah, I’m just “keeping it real.” Sincerely, every college student anywhere.
You have to admit, this recent motto is quite catchy. Maybe you’ve used it after accepting a compliment.
“Fresh hair dude!”
“Yeah, you know how it is. I’m just keeping it real.”
Or maybe you’ve said it after some dank tracks are released from your favorite artist.
“Man, Drake always knows how to keep it real! He practically invented rap!”
But to me, this idea of “keeping it real” bends so far from how we choose to present ourselves in a technology-driven society.
Urban Dictionary gives “keeping it real” the following definition: “When someone does not CHANGE who they are or what they believe due to societal pressures.”
Woah. Did you just read what I just did? What a paradox it is to upload a highly edited picture on Instagram with the caption “keeping it real” and anxiously await the number of likes pouring in.
HOW IS THAT KEEPING IT REAL?
Have we truly wandered so far off track as a society to go so far as to polish every photo, every post, every detail before we share it? What good is this serving when we are presenting ourselves in such a false way to the world?
I hear it so often as a conversation between girls. When they’re feeling depressed, they’ll remind themselves that Instagram really just shows off the highlights of people’s life.
The truth of the matter is that attempting to present ourselves in such a perfect manner gives off a false impression and puts WAY too much pressure on ourselves to stay current and flawless at all times. It enables a boastful and self-serving attitude.
Maybe you are different. Maybe you are living in a way that is true to yourself despite what others may think.
Don’t get me wrong; I am not saying that editing photos for the 'gram is pure evil. However, I challenge you to meditate on your purpose behind the actions in your life. Who are you trying to impress?
Don’t call attention, pay attention.
I recently heard this phrase at a conference and it speaks volume into this conversation. I don’t think this mantra can coexist in a person that finds their satisfaction through Insta likes or comments.
How are your friends actually doing? No, this is more than commenting “HOT!” On their recent beach post.
If you want to “keep it real,” start living your life and being in the moment instead of pulling out your iPhone camera right away.
Someone who is willing to live a quiet, humble life, to be obscure, maybe hated, forgotten, and willing to serve others before themselves, now that’s keeping it real.
I promise you that if you invest in real, deep conversations with others (Alert! This might require you putting your phone down every once in awhile!) instead of encouraging them with shallow validations, they will be the most exalted when you are the most delighted in them.