Now in 2019, we are all apart of the social media era. No matter how old or young you are, social media will play a part in how you think if you allow it. The more time we spend, scrolling through timelines and feeds of friends, family, associates, colleagues, strangers and celebrities the more unrealistic and extremely high standards we will place on our lives. Setting our own self up for failure. Making ourselves prone to low self esteem, comparing yourself to others, lack of confidence, drive and ambition. In addition, this can open the door to depression. Social media can have you believe that you are not good enough nor ever will be. Watching strangers and distant friends getting married, having kids, or just posting random cute pictures can have you wanting the same life goals as them which leads you to placing life events on a timeline. However, what happens when you want to be married with one kid by the time you are 27 but in present age you are about to turn 30? What happens when what you based off others doesn’t happen to you like it did for them? Social media has become a dangerous tool especially for millennial’s.
You know what I always wondered? Why is every relationship goal photo so clear and crisp but on my new iPhone, I can’t even take a clear picture with just myself or with a few friends. So why is every relationship goals, couples vacation, or random couples day pictures like a full blown photo shoot? After speaking with a few friends in the modeling and photography world, I was told a secret that I am now about to expose. Are you ready for this? Most pictures you see with that “get you a man who will be there for you, love you despite having a serious drug addiction blah blah blah…” saying are STAGED! Most are actual photo shoots for magazines, websites, blogs, business etc… sometime the two people don’t even know each other! Crazy right? So when you see those random memes talking about marriage and couples, just know that the picture may not even be real, so why be jealous of a staged marriage photo. If you find yourself becoming envious over seeing marriage/couple photos, go visit YouTube and type in “couple arguing/fights.” I know this will make you feel a little better, lol.
So let me get to my point. Of course social media will ALWAYS be around. I would not recommend someone to take themselves away from social media 100% because social media can keep you in the loop of current events which everyone needs to know. In addition, it can be very entertaining to just sit and watch funny videos about people throwing cheese on their kids faces. Social media can be a good thing if you utilize it’s powers in a positive way. You stay in the loop and grow with the generations. No matter how young or old you are you NEED to stay up with current events. Sites like Facebook will keep you up to date on politics, what is going on in other countries, States, national disasters and what is even going on in your back yard. So there is a positive to it. However, it is up to you and your perspective when you go scrolling through your social media. Be conscious of what you look at. If you feel like you’re comparing yourself to others go on a social media hiatus. Back away and hold yourself accountable. It is no greater love than self love and self love is acknowledging you have a issue with social media and finding ways to fix it. We as people need to learn how to fix and heal ourselves. Yes, it is great to have others around to support us through trials but if you learn how to call out your own issues and fix it yourself, you will become undefeatable.
When you go out to a event or vacation, it is okay to take pictures here and there to savor those memories. However, set a time during those events/vacations to take pictures. Other than that set time, you should be basking in the event. Observing the scenery, talking to people and love ones, enjoying the ambiance. So many people rather have their phones out than just enjoying what is around them. Most just go to events and places just to boost on social media about where they are. Why do you care if your follows/strangers know that you are sipping a cocktail on the beach in San Diego? That should actually be a peaceful time for you to drink and enjoy the sounds of the beach. Stop seeking validation from people who could care less about where you are and what you are drinking. Be your best self OFF social media. Low key life styles are the more fulfilling. You can go through things in peace. People who post their relationships all over social media risk having to share with social media about the break up.
Stop posting family and friend dramas online for the world to see and laugh at, save that for your family’s group message thread. If you see wrong, report it or help if it safe to do so. Stop pulling out your phones to record and post, especially when it is a crime like a massive group fight. People don’t realize that once you pull out your phone to record others fighting people and you in the background egging on the fight, turns you into an accessory because you did nothing to stop it. However, recording wrong doings such ad in accidents with cars, recording a robbery, stuff like that is always okay because it helps the police/investigators.
It’s time that we as humans lead a healthier lifestyle. Go outside and just smell the air. Back away from the computer/your phone and go out and see the world for yourself. Appreciate what and who is around you because when it’s gone… it’s gone. Don’t allow social media to play you. Phones are cool and can do a lot but you can miss out on what this world has to truly offer and even worse, you miss out on basking in major life events. Just think, some people can’t even see. So don’t take your vision for granted.
Raise your Crown 