I’m not opposed to social media. I actually enjoy it, blogging and style are two of my passions, and I post regularly across different platforms. But I’ve noticed how the misuse of technology, the constant perception of other people’s lives, and the urge to compare ourselves can slowly affect our relationships and our sense of self.
The truth is, most of what we see online are highlights, those happy, curated moments, not the everyday reality. Some people may truly experience many joyful moments, but for others, what we see is only a small, carefully chosen slice of life.
We never really know what happens behind closed doors. Yet many of us allow online images to make us feel as though we’re not living the “right” life. We begin to question our relationships, our finances, or our ability to experience what others appear to enjoy so effortlessly.
Think of social media like a mirror with two sides. The reflection we see doesn’t always match what’s on the other side. A smiling couple may be struggling to keep their relationship together. A frequent traveler might be using vacations as a distraction from personal stress. Family photos filled with laughter may sit atop layers of conflict.
Of course, many posts genuinely celebrate happiness and beautiful moments shared with loved ones. I’m not saying everything online is fake. What I am saying is that photos alone don’t show the full picture of someone’s daily life.
For example, a person who seems to be constantly out partying may actually feel lonely. A happily married couple on your feed might be fighting to hold things together behind the scenes. I’ve even known couples who appeared to have everything, dinners out, vacations, family events, only to announce their divorce years later. The smiles in their photos didn’t tell the whole story.
That’s why social media should never become a tool for comparison. If something in your own life isn’t working, focus on taking steps that support your growth. You are not “less than” anyone you follow online. Don’t let a filtered snapshot make you doubt your path or the pace of your progress.
Instead, enjoy the happy moments others share. Celebrate with them, and allow it to inspire joy, not insecurity, and your own life. Being able to genuinely appreciate someone else’s moment without questioning your own is a sign of personal peace.
And then there’s Facebook… where some people use the platform for indirect messages, arguments, and online attacks. But another topic…