Social Media and Self-Est
Have you ever been casually scrolling on Instagram and suddenly find yourself comparing your life, education, or career to your friends? Wishing you had their lifestyle, envying their Saturday night plans, vacation, or their shopping haul?
You're not alone. Most of us often feel the need to compare ourselves to our friends, family, and even co-workers. And you may forget your accomplishments and moments you felt proud of yourself in the process.
Imagine seeing your best friend getting married, a family member being accepted into a masters degree program, or a co-worker finding a job in their desired field of study. You may desire these things but aren't at the stage of your life where these experiences are possible yet. This is where the envy and guilt appear. You may feel disappointed in yourself for not having the same experiences at the same time as them, you may question your worth, or wonder why your best wasn't good enough. This is where we need to remember to be grateful for our life and what we have. Imagine you graduated university with a bachelors degree but haven't been accepted into a masters program, or found a job in your field. Instead of being hard on yourself, be proud of graduating, for trying to apply yourself in different ways, and for giving your all in your applications. Moments of success are often a staircase of milestones and every step has significance and is a reason to be proud of yourself.
We carry social media in our back pockets at all times every single day -- this makes it hard not to compare ourselves to others because we are always connected to everyone around us. The main issue lies in comparing our everyday reality to a friend's story who appears successful, attractive, or fulfilled. And these comparisons are often unfair. We need to remind ourselves that it is okay to strive for better and more. But, it is also important to keep in mind that social media highlights the glamourized moments: vacations, accomplishments, and carefully chosen content to share. What's missing is what it took to get here -- the struggles, insecurities, and everyday reality of life.
You have likely heard or know the phrase: comparison is the thief of joy. In today's world it is easy to take this lightly as advice and not a daily warning. Every time we are online, we constantly see carefully curated versions of our friends' lives. Overtime, this constant exposure diminishes our self-esteem and happiness.
Comparison is not always bad -- it always us to be motivated and grow as individuals. But gradually it may take a toll on our mental health. We forget how ordinary days feel and only see someone's "best" side. The moment you focus on what someone else has, you shift attention away from what you have.
Ways Make Social Media Intentional:
Distancing ourselves from social media and the comparison cycle requires us to use it more intentionally.
Curate your social media feed to include content that inspires or uplifts you
Reconnect with your own values -- what matters to you might look different than what's trending online
Remind yourself that what you see isn't the full story -- everyone has struggles, doubts, and imperfect moments, and they're not visible on social media
Try to see others as individuals on their own paths -- someone else's success or progress doesn't diminish yours
How To Be Grateful For Where You Are:
Joy comes from presence and focusing on what you have, not comparison
Take a few moments each day to write down 3-5 things you are grateful for
Talk to someone you trust about your feelings -- you'll find they will highlight how amazing you are
Celebrate your small wins throughout the week or months
Final Thoughts: