Sometimes, those endless vibrant highlighted stories, scintillant trending reels, aesthetic photo slides, and a bottomless feed of snaps capturing jubilant faces seem to work together against my confidence. Most days, I try to view them positively and feel happy for others. However, in certain weak moments — the ones in which I doubt my abilities or worth — I find myself asking: “Why can’t I feel like them, be like them, look that way, or do all that, too?”

The whole truth is, at times, social media can be a tough space to be in. We all compare our behind-the-screen struggles with the triumphant moments others post online. The algorithm seems to deliberately magnify what we don’t wish to see, yet what we secretly yearn for, all at once. Altogether, that social media account becomes a bane that we can’t bring ourselves to get rid of. That’s when it’s important to receive a reminder that comparing one’s toughest times with another’s best is not only untrue, but also unfair to oneself.

Ordinarily, we all tend to post our most polished, jubilant, stunning versions online, as do others! So, does that mean social media is fake or harmful? Classifying social media as ‘real’ or ‘fake’, and ‘good’ or ‘bad’ is both unnecessary and an oversimplification. Social media is a part of most teenagers’ lives now, and it’s not bound to leave any time soon. Further, it can be an invaluable tool for self-expression, finding a community, and settling in your niche. Thus, while a digital detox, or distance from social media, can help some, there is no single right step to take when social media begins to feel overwhelming.

In my opinion, the most powerful change lies in our perspectives: the way we see and consume others’ content. Setting boundaries, taking breaks when we need to, and telling ourselves that everyone is fighting their own battle, which we may not see on social media, are of the essence. Let’s use social media, and not let it use us.

Contributor,
Aditi Garg
High School Student