Hello! Today on Penneys To Prada I want to talk about something that's neither beauty nor fashion related, but a topic that has been on my mind a lot recently. As you can see from the title of this post, today I'm discussing social media, which is one of my favourite things. However, in this post I'm going to talk about how false and staged social media can be, and why comparing your life to what others post on social media is never a good idea.
First of all I'd just like to say, I LOVE social media and if I had to pick a favourite, it'd be Instagram. I love seeing gorgeous flat lays, or other peoples OOTD's and I also love creating my own Instagram posts. Which is why I've toyed with the idea of writing this post for so long, if I love social media so much, surely I can't criticise it? Unfortunately that's not the case, if anything it's because I'm so involved with social media that I can see straight through it. I know the lengths myself and fellow 'Content Creators' or 'Social Media Influencers' or whatever the new nickname is, will go to capture the 'perfect' shot.
"What you see on Instagram is carefully chosen by whoever has posted it."
I know some of you reading this will be shaking your head and thinking, "social media isn't the be all and the end all, why put so much thought into it?" and you're exactly right, it isn't. It's very important to remember that while posting the 'perfect' Instagram is very satisfying, there's life outside of social media, which brings me onto my next point. What you see on Instagram is carefully chosen by whoever has posted it, and nine times out of ten that person isn't going to post the negative side of their life.
"Comparison is the thief of joy."
Often I see comments on photos, or tweets from people comparing themselves to others and wishing they had certain physical features or a certain lifestyle . The quote 'Comparison is the thief of joy,' is something I always keep in mind and I think everyone else should too. Instead of scrolling through Instagram and comparing yourself to the best side of someones life, spend time making sure you're happy enough with your own life first.
"Now I am happy with who I am and what I bring to the table, I can go on social media and not wish I was someone else."
I used to be one of those people who would scroll through Instagram, wishing my hair looked a certain way, or my stomach was a flat as the girl's in the #fitspo post I'd just seen, or that I had my favourite bloggers wardrobe. One day I realised that all of this superficial envy wasn't benefiting me in the slightest and chose to start improving myself instead. Now I am happy with who I am and what I bring to the table, I can go on social media and not wish I was someone else.
With social media, what you see isn't exactly the truth, it's a more airbrushed, glossier version of reality and more people need to realise this, especially given that social media has become a huge part of today's everyday life. I think Snapchat has been a godsend in terms of social media and transparency, it's very raw and real. I love it as I can upload snaps wearing zero make-up just chatting to my followers and allow them to see the 'real' side of me which I think is important to balance out the polished, flat lay filled, version of my life that's portrayed on Instagram.
I hope this post wasn't too long, I find that sometimes when I'm passionate about a certain topic or idea that I could go on forever! I'd love to hear your opinions on this subject so be sure to leave a comment below! Thanks so much for reading!
