Social Media and Losing Touch with Reality

Bored from studying for tomorrow’s calculus test, you decide to check Instagram for a quick mental break. People’s Instagram stories are filled with blasting music, gorgeous sunsets, and party decorations. Five minutes turns into ten, which turns into an hour. Next thing you know, it’s 11 pm and you agonize over the lost time, asking yourself, was it really worth it? Most people agree that constantly checking social media is an unhealthy attachment, but does it also confuse the ‘Instagram life’ with reality?

Of course, there are arguably great benefits to social media - that’s why it was created in the first place. But there’s definitely a dangerous side to it as well. In a way, it may make you lose touch with reality, but not in the way you might expect. For example, we all know by now that life on Instagram isn’t someone’s actual life. No one dresses up every day and even if they do, of course they’ll only post their best self. It’s hard to realize that when all you’re constantly scrolling through someone’s profile, processing all these carefully curated snapshots of their seemingly perfect lives. But keep in mind, a picture on Instagram is not an example of how the person lives their life on a daily basis. After all, who would post about buying groceries or getting gas for their car? That’s not what interests you. This is where the argument of reality vs. the picture-perfect life comes into play. As hard as it is to believe, no regular person or celebrity has a perfect life 24/7 (if you don’t believe me, you’ll be shocked when you watch Paris Hilton’s or Demi Lovato’s or Katy Perry’s documentaries). After all, we’re all human and no amount of money can help you escape the challenges that all humans face.

So, how can we fix our mindset to avoid feeling terrible about ourselves and the envy we have for the people whose lives we endlessly scroll through? Well, the simple answer would be to just put your phone down. Or in another room. Or download one of those apps that limits your screen time on social media. Of course, these options are much easier said than done. However, there’s an easier way; Be mindful.

Be mindful of what you decide to take a closer look at and whose life you decide to take a scroll through. Keep in mind that no one’s life is perfect. Any tabloid or gossip website will confirm this with you. Sure, we all have our glamorous moments, but no one’s life is perfect, even though that’s what people want you to believe.

It’s easy to feel like you’re missing out on life when looking at someone else living it up. We never truly know what people are going through and social media isn’t an accurate depiction of their lives. Overall, more and more celebrities are opening up with their challenges and adversities, but there’s still a long way to go. Point being, life isn’t actually what’s on your Instagram feed. Remember that before you take that five minute break.

Name: Shifa Malik

Editor: Nathalia Ramkissoon