“REEL VS REAL LIFE: WHAT’S THE HIDDEN TRUTH BEHIND?”
What is real life?
In simple terms, real life is the world we live in every day, with world problems. One of the best real-life examples is actors’ and actresses’ lives outside of their films and online shows.
What do we mean by reel life?
Reel Life is a deceptive portrayal of one’s life online, in movies, or on T.V. shows and is widely different from real life.
While T.V. and movies were the primary sources of onscreen entertainment, social media redefined reel life for not just celebrities but also ordinary people.
Today, access to social media platforms allows people to protect their real identities and life and portray a very different, often incorrect yet glamorous portrayal of their life.
In modern World, the difference between reel and real life is far different and we blindly assume it is true and believe except me all are happy and enjoying his/her life to the fullest. Other’s are living the life I have dreamed of with fat CTC, going on international trip, chilling each weekend but failure to understand this disconnect has resulted in many psychological and mental health issues among people, including anxiety, low self-confidence, lack of self-esteem, depression.
What are the Limitations of reel life: where is the boundary?
We often associate reel life with a perfect life — perfect situations, ideal relationships, wealth, health, travel, appearance, flawless beauty, and you name it. It is natural for people to imitate what they see on screen.
We must know where to draw a line when imitating reel life events or comparing our real lives with them. We must understand the boundaries of reel life as it fails to throw light on people’s real-life troubles, the adverse events in their lives, or how they are as individuals.
What are warning signs of too much reel life?
For most people blinded by the reel life they see on the screen, it becomes difficult to differentiate between it and their real life. Some warning signs to watch out for include:
- Addiction to social media or following an influencer or celebrity excessively on social media portals
- Setting unrealistic goals or expectations for themselves
- Excessive expenditure of money on buying the same products or items as their reel-life celebrities
- Failure to realize one’s limitations
- Unreasonable comparison of one’s real life with those of friends or family as seen in reel life.
- Allowing our reel-life persona to take over the real-life persona
Sharing you one story below which I have recently heard on the internet.
The Crow and the Peacock — Who is Happy?
Once there was a crow who wishes to be colorful and beautiful like other birds. He then went to the parrot and shared his thoughts. But parrot said, peacock is most beautiful bird so talk to him. Then the crow went to the peacock and told him about his looks. Then the peacock replied,” You are the luckiest bird that has been never caged in life and we because of our beauty stay caged, and you are always free.” After listening to this, crow realized his mistake and thanked god for making him like this and he flew away happily.
Moral: Never compare yourself to others. Be happy in what you have and what you are.
