Social media can reflect a distorted image of reality and impact our self-worth...
THINK PAD
A device that promises inspiration, community, and connection is in our palms. However, for a lot of people, constantly scrolling through social media feeds has turned into a painful mirror that reflects a distorted image rather than reality, which can cause deep feelings of inadequacy and destroy self-worth. This is more than just passing feelings of jealousy; it's a systemic issue where platforms meant to foster connections frequently cause us to feel cut off from who we really are and that we are less than and unattractive by nature.
The filtered reality that predominates on sites like Instagram and TikTok is at the heart of this harmful cycle. We are continuously surrounded by carefully manicured highlight reels, selfies taken at the ideal angle, meals planned with precision, flawless skin achieved with filters, and lives that seem successful and vibrant all the time.
This is life as it has been altered, not as it has been lived. However, it is difficult for our brains to distinguish between this flawless performance and real life. Instinctively, frequently without realizing it, we compare ourselves to the unachievable ideals of happiness, wealth, and beauty that are promoted as the standard. A harsh self-evaluation follows – my life isn't as exciting, my body isn't as toned, and my skin isn't as clear. Self-esteem is damaged by this constant comparison, which makes us feel that our true selves are not enough.
A damaging sense of worthlessness is fostered by this continual exposure to digital perfection. Our everyday struggles or natural appearances seem like failures when everyone else on the Internet appears to have flawless skin, a flawless figure, or an endlessly glamorous life.
As a result of internalizing the idea that our worth is based on our outward accomplishments and aesthetic appeal, we start looking for approval from likes and comments, which are a transient and unreliable source of self-worth. Body dissatisfaction, obsessive self-examination, and even the emergence of body dysmorphic tendencies are frequently the results of pursuing this digital ideal. Because we don't achieve the unachievable beauty standards displayed on a screen, we may find ourselves examining our own reflections closely, noticing imperfections that were previously invisible, or experiencing a deep sense of ugliness.
Finally, social media's skewed perspective frequently turns into a major cause of insecurity by distorting our sense of value and making us feel fundamentally imperfect in a society that demands digital perfection.
