I am a 22 year old college student. Most of the time, I think social media is great. I have the privilege of having funny memes, pictures of adorable puppies and kittens, life updates on friends, gossip on celebrities, news all a few taps away. Other times, I think social media isn’t too great.
My confidence and self-esteem are pretty low at times. I lack the maturity and life experiences that aid in feeling secure and good enough with regards to who I am and the life I lead. Instead, I strive to be perfect and often fall short. Occasionally, I find myself being sucked into a dark hole full of negativity and comparison on social media; each click taking me deeper and deeper until I finally close the app. Then, what do you know, my once pleasant mood is replaced with frustration and discomfort. So, I wrote a letter, not to send to Instagram, but to relieve myself of that mood by sharing my frustrations with the page. I feel that other college students, people my age, or anyone may relate to this as well:
Dear Instagram,
I felt way more satisfied with my life before you. Now, I constantly compare myself to others. No matter how great life is going now, to me, everyone else’s life looks so much better. Through you, they are posting pictures with their boyfriends/girlfriends on cute dates, sharing their achievements, beautiful landscapes of the places they have been lucky enough to visit. I think to myself, “Wow, I wish I was them.”
To make matters worse, it’s summer. This is the only instance I will ever say anything negative about the amazing season that gives my brain three whole months to rest. In the summer, your posts seem to be at an all-time high. Not only that, but it’s different from the usual college or family related pictures I would usually find on you. My followers all look to be happy as can be, each taking full advantage of their break at different destinations with unique groups of people. Everyone looks so put together. The girls are tan, wearing their trendiest and newest outfits, swimsuits that suit their bodies best. The guys are shirtless, looking more fit than ever. Each are in a different setting, happy and carefree.
Then, there is me. I am working five days a week as a nanny in Virginia. I mean, does it get more boring than that? I barely have time to go to the pool, let alone the beach, so my tan is lacking to say the least. I don’t really have any occasions to wear nice outfits or a setting worthy enough to snap a picture in. I’m scrolling and all I can think is, “I wish I was them.” I cannot seem to fully appreciate where I am in my own life because I am so caught up in what looks to be better.
What I fail to realize is, no matter how great a person looks like in pictures, no matter how happy they seem, no matter how beautiful the country they’re visiting is, their lives are just like mine. They are full of ups and downs, struggles, heartbreaks, stress, boring days, etc. But you don’t show me all of that. All I can see is exactly what your users want me to see: a highlight reel. So, instantly, I forget what I’ve just previously stated and all I can think is, “I wish I was them.”
Best,
Venting College Girl
Link for featured picture: bit.ly/2TgHWDA
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