Is Social Media Really That Bad?
I came across an article featuring Essena O’Neil, the teenager who very publicly quit social media and faulted the false reality of websites such as Instagram. This got me thinking — has anything changed? Or are we still in the social media bubble unable to escape?
The Youtuber and Instagrammer quit social media, claiming that is fake and a complete lie. In her last youtube post, Essena stated that she quit for her 12 year old self, in order to prove that she is worthy and good enough. The video went viral and pretty much started a trend, almost a revolution among other ‘famous’ social media personels as well as within everyday lif
It was about time someone did this.
I can’t honestly tell you the last time I scrolled on Instagram and didn’t desire to look like one of the many models, actresses, friends that I follow. Why don’t my abs look that defined? Why aren’t I skiing in the Alps? Why can’t I stick to this diet that obviously works? These are constant questions that I ask myself, and I’m sure many others do too. It’s all fun and well saying ‘well just stop following them on Instagram’ but its so much more complex than that. You somehow become immersed into this life and before you know it — well you’re utterly obsessed with wanting to be similar to these people.
But it’s draining. I don’t remember the last picture that I posted to Instagram that doesn’t have a million effects on it to give it the best angle, or to highlight how much fun im having, or that I uploaded at the ‘prime time’ to get sufficient likes. For too long have people immersed themselves within this idealistic image of our lives — note, have you ever seen anyone post a picture on Instagram crying for any reason other than being happy?
When Essena stood up against the damage that social media can cause, such as depression and complete loneliness, it proved that life maybe isn’t so messed up after all. It was reassuring to see that this so called ‘perfect’ person was actually human and made me feel less guilty for not waking up early and running those 4 miles that I promised I would run the night before. It’s was about time that some-one stood up and said social media isn’t real and set an example to not just us, but people younger, even people older that you can’t start living until you remove yourself from that phone, laptop, and any device that prevents you from seeing the world.
Flashforward 2 years and I feel like we’re back full circle and immersed within the social media bubble once again. Essena is no longer the “it” girl on Instagram but their are certainly many more just like her promoting this “perfect life”.
It should be easy right? Just delete those apps from your phone and you’ll start living. Oh I wish. It’s easier said than done. Living in a world that is so dependent on social media, it’s hard to give it up. And who said all Instagram was bad? Take 5SOS, for example, my favourite band. Following them on Instagram enables me to keep up to date with their music; something which has saved me numerous times. If I was to delete those apps, I’d have no direct connection with this band other than their music? Which leads me to this — the constant fear of missing out. By removing yourself from social media, you’re ultimately worried about missing out on everything. With a society so emerged in using social media as a form of communicating, its pretty impossible to go without.
However, I feel like there has been some progression since Essena. Many more Youtube stars are becoming conscious of their audience and the reality that they present on their screens. Youtubers, such as Lucy Moon, and models, such as Steph Claire Smith, have become more open to talk about mental illness and this alone is a huge step but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a long way to go.
So what’s the solution? Who knows, maybe all it takes is for one person to delete those apps and before you know it you’re entire friendship circle will follow. Or maybe it just takes perspective. Take a week away from social media and you’ll feel a whole lot better. Spend time alone, travel — see the world — enjoy the views and life first, and then looking back — feel free to Instagram it.
I just hope that people, including myself, become more aware, as each days goes on, that there’s more to life than eating ridiculously small portions, or that you don’t need to workout for 3hours in the gym everyday if you can’t face it.
