Social media has become one of the most influential forces of our society. Every day, more and more formalities and trends are introduced that we as a society feel the need to follow. Failure to follow said trends and formalities lead to embarrassment and isolation. Social media has also become a force that others use to know what they should be wearing and how their hair should be styled. Social freedom is being limited to what is trending and to what others are doing and saying. Those that chose to not follow the crowd or those that feel they don’t check off the right boxes to follow the trends are often left isolated and embarrassed. It’s in human nature to compare yourself to someone in a higher place of attention than you in some way or another. Some people compare life achievements and financial positions while others compare physical looks and body shape. This can lead to very serious results such as social anxiety and depression. In the worst cases, it’s proven that social media has even heightened the suicide rate in young adults over the last ten years. Understanding that you have your own unique differences that make you stand out is an important key factor in getting over the comparisons.
A lot of girls go on social media and are intimidated by the other girls they see posting their bodies and looks all over the place. On the other side, a lot of guys go on social media and feel intimidated by all the gym pictures and celebrity idolization that has been going on recently. To speak on the matter more personally, I as a guy see and understand the intimidation. I used to be afraid of what everyone thought. I always went to the gym but never felt satisfied with myself as I saw others around me and how they were being idolized by the majority. So how did I get over it? What’s the way to stop comparing yourself? The answer to that is simple. We allow ourselves to become blinded as we chase behind those, we believe are idolized that we forget to turn around and see how many people are behind us. You need to understand that every single mind in this world operates on a different level. So, use your own unique mind to create the image of yourself that makes you happy. Believe me when I say that when you are happy with yourself, you will be the most powerful force ever.
Understand your strengths and accomplishments and use those to make you realize how amazing you are. Whether it’s your intelligence, your hair, eyes, etc., use them to spread positivity and break the formation that social media is causing. There is no need to try and follow someone has a completely different mind and physical appearance as you. For all you know, the person you are trying to have their own insecurities and are actually following someone else. Muster together whatever courage you have inside of you and use it to show to yourself and others why your strengths make you, you. Don’t let yourself be dragged along by questions that can’t be answered such as “Why can’t I look like that?” or “I wish I had that.” Instead lift your head and tell yourself, “I have this.” or “I can do this and no one else can.” Highlight what you can do and reassure yourself that what you are and what you have is more than enough. You’ll see how after that; you’ll find yourself caring less and less about what everyone else is saying or wearing.
Perception is unique to every single human being alive. No two people view everything the same. Perception is a concept that is very important in understanding who you are and pointing out why you stand out above the rest of the crowd. Everyone has a different background that makes them who they are. Some come from families where education is valued over everything else while others may come from a more relaxed environment. Regardless of where you come from, the events and situation you experienced have shaped you into who you are. Some of the smartest and wealthiest people in history have come from tough pasts. Don’t let the limitations of your situation limit who you are and what you can accomplish as a person. Your own perception of yourself will not be found in someone else very easily. It’s important to understand that your perception of who you are is all you need. Once others see how you have truly accepted yourself, there will be nothing for anyone to pick at to get you down. Once you find acceptance with yourself, others will begin to notice and wonder how they too can achieve that.
People who compare themselves to those that they see on social media shouldn’t feel any shame or embarrassment. It’s normal to want to be better and look like what everyone wants. Unfortunately, it’s sometimes impossible to get to where you are trying to and even if you do, sometimes it’s not worth it at all. There are already so many things that everyone has to offer this world that it’s a waste of talent and potential to chase after those trying to flash themselves to everyone to bring people down. Don’t get stuck chasing after approval from those you idolize. Spend your time chasing after your own unique dreams and become the best version of yourself possible. When you reach your goal, those around you will start to idolize you and your work can positively affect the lives of others. Social media is an amazing place to share and spread positivity, but it’s also the same place that negativity can be spread. Many people barely have time to sleep and eat as it is. So, there is no reason as to why you should be letting negativity have so much time in your life. Instead of comparing yourself to others, get out there and compare yourself to past versions of yourself to see how far you have come.
