The concept of faking a “perfect” life on social media has been around almost as long as social media itself.
Comparison is the thief of joy! And a dangerous thief at that.
The truth is we all wish our online selves were our authentic selves, and we’re good at pretending they are. Self-esteem is at an all-time low and it’s scary.
I look at my cousin’s teenagers and their obsession with Instagram likes genuinely worries me. They could be models – stunning girls, genuinely beautiful on the inside and out – so why are they looking for reassurances in the form of ‘likes’?
Surely self-esteem starts inside and radiates outward, not the other way around? There won’t ever need to be a moment where they look at themselves long and hard in the mirror and say “this is it. This is who I really am,” and decide for themselves whether or not they like the person they see.
There’s no need for that any more; a handy device in their pocket can quantify just how loved and wanted and valued they are, one like at a time.
Something needs to be done to save these girls and all the other young kids in today’s world. They need to separate social media from their sense of self-worth. Who is going to educate them? Self esteem / confidence classes in school? Doubt that.