The Social Media Trap

Social media can be a great resource but it can also cause a lot of trouble. When Facebook first came out I believe it was a great way to connect with friends and family. You had Facebook for college students and then for high school students. You even had to have an invitation to join the high school version. Now it’s free for all along with Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and any other social media platform that is out there. I feel like now social media isn’t just about connecting but instead it’s being used as a platform to show the world your success. If you’re not careful you can easily fall into the social media trap, the comparison trap.

The social media trap is like a never ending cycle. You get on there see all these posts of ppl getting promotions, engaged/married, traveling, etc and if you’re not careful you’ll find yourself comparing. You start to feel less than or like something is wrong with you. You can start to wonder “when will it be my time” or “what am I doing wrong”. If you don’t get as many likes on a picture as the next person it can leave you thinking “Am I ugly or something??” How do I know these things? Because I’ve been there before! It is so easy to get caught up in your insecurities being on social media. When I feel myself getting down on myself, constantly questioning my life, feeling like I’m not doing enough, hating my body, etc. I say “TIME OUT! Flag on the play!! Jessica you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are a unique individual and your story isn’t supposed to look like there’s.” Then I’ll take a week up to 3 weeks off of social media to clear my mind.

It’s so crazy to me how a tool that was created for good can cause so much trouble. It’s also crazy to me how we let this thing validate us. Not getting enough likes/comments on a post will make someone question a photo that at one point they thought was cute! I truly believe social media plays a huge part ppl having issues with depression, low self-esteem, and low self-confidence. We have to stop letting that thumbs up control so much of how we feel. I’ve realized that most ppl won’t post the bad things going on in their lives. They could post a picture smiling with their new husband that really abuses them. Post a picture of all the new clothes and shoes they bought that just maxed out their credit card. I could post many more examples but you get the drift. Don’t get caught up in the social media trap and start downplaying yourself/your life! Your life is your own unique journey, don’t miss out on it wishing you were in somebody else’s shoes. You never know what it actually takes to fill those shoes.