I already know that the title of this article is probably going to upset people as they click on this, but (please) let me explain.
All of us look at social media almost on a daily basis. That's where most of us get our news, updates from friends, and social media is (obviously) also the place where we may even message our friends.
Social Media works in great ways, however, I've also noticed that it's not a good place either.
1) People look at Social Media from a more analytical side and NOT from an emotional side.
Human beings have the natural nature as well as desire to want to feel loved and cared about, so with social media, we tend to sometimes worry about our follower counts instead of us trying to rely on the more emotional side of social media, (which is basically making a connection with our audiences). So, instead of us thinking of thinking WHO WE MAY reach with our posts, we should instead think about our actual audience instead.
2) People look at their follower counts as a way of seeking recognition from strangers.
The truth is, we have all done this.
If you don't believe me, (I'm sorry) to break the coldhearted truth to you, but I'm being honest.
We look at our social media followers as trying to seek recognition from others, when in reality, your follower count is just a number on a screen. Whether you have 100, 1,000, or even 5,000 followers on a social media platform, we look at these numbers on our screens as a sort of recognition, and then we kind of compare this number to other people as well in unhealthy matters that can actually eventually even affect our self esteems.
I knew someone with thousands upon thousands of followers who would post things on their story and on their news feed every 15 minutes... (this person even made merchandise for their Instagram account) and this honestly made me sad, because, it's a lot of pressure to have so many eyes on you all the time, and (with all this pressure, at least in my opinion) it's honestly unhealthy.
3) People get a (sort of) adrenaline rush from social media.
Have you ever posted a picture and have received some sweet compliments from your audience/followers about what you posted? Did you also get some new audience members in the process of posting this? It (probably) made you feel good then, right?
Now, look at it this way again. Have you ever felt bad about looking through your timeline? Do you ever feel insecure or even sad from looking at social media? Do you ever compare yourself to others?
If you answered (yes) to any of the questions above, you have experienced these "adrenaline rushes" before. And what I want to tell you reading this, is that it's okay. We, (as humans), aren't perfect. The truth is, is that you are unique and you are special, and you are here for a reason. Stop comparing your physical appearance, your life path, your grades, your personality, your job, your relationships, etc. to others. You have different passions, hobbies and senses that make you unique to others, so participating in this unhealthy type of comparison is not good for you. You need to trust yourself, and you need to realize that you are here for a reason, and no one can honestly make you realize that (EXCEPT) for yourself.
Social media is a great tool in connection, but it can also be used in unhealthy ways as well. Trust yourself. (I promise) that everything will be okay.