We live in a world filled with connections. Almost every single person you meet daily has a social media account. There, they create status updates, post photos, and send messages to other people. This rise and popularity of social media stems from a few things. First, internet connections are now more available to everyone. Second, you get a sense of gratification by receiving constant compliments and approval.
However, there is a darker side to this. With every confidence boost comes a hit in self-esteem. Is social media creating a superficial world?
A Social Showcase
The most common feature in social media sites is a wall where you can post. Most of the time these include status updates, photos, and locations. This, in time, becomes someone’s persona. It is the facade that they show to the rest of the world. To make themselves feel good, they brag about their recent travels and exploits. What they do not show you is all the stuff that happens between these moments.
A Subtle Judgment
For viewers, all they see are the highlights. This in turn leads them to reevaluate their own life, comparing it to what they see on their screens. They see their lowest points and compare them to someone else’s highlights. This creates doubt – a feeling of being left behind in life. What are you doing wrong when the people around you are on holidays in different countries?
It damages your low esteem.
A Safer Choice
To prevent this from happening, you have to stop comparing. Life has its ups and downs for everyone. Comparing your lows to someone’s highs is not healthy. When you focus on your own life and stop obsessing over others, then you can finally achieve some peace. Self-esteem is how you perceive yourself.
Feeling terrible for others’ successes is not a healthy behavior.