The Impact of Instagram and Facebook on Youth
As a teenager, I am perpetually surrounded by Instagram in one form or another. It has become the norm to have an Instagram and for our lives to revolve around it. The ubiquity of the platform has even transformed into a societal expectation, where those without an Instagram account are considered anomalies or freaks.
Chasing Popularity and Crafting Image
The pressure to have a life defined by social media, particularly Instagram, is immense. Even those who are not particularly concerned about their popularity cannot escape the underlying anxiety of whether their life is worth sharing. Social interactions with friends, such as hanging out, are often documented to prove that one has an active social life. However, the fear of not having a life that is considered desirable can be one of the scariest things for a teenager.
Popularity is a critical factor in shaping one's identity. People are judged not just by their actions but by the crafted image they present online. Many spend significant time and effort in curating a perfect version of themselves on Instagram, aiming to attract attention and admiration from others. In extreme cases, this can lead to obsession with the ideal they present.
Superficial Reality and Self-Esteem
Instagram can be overwhelming, especially with its emphasis on surface-level perfection. The pictures are heavily edited, photoshopped, filtered, and otherwise altered, creating an unrealistic standard of beauty. The emphasis on bodies with perfect proportions and features contributes to a distorted reality. This constant exposure to these idealized images deeply impacts self-esteem. Teenagers, in particular, can start to compare themselves unfavorably to the versions portrayed on social media, leading to self-doubt and reduced confidence.
Case Study: False Reality of Social Media
A recent experience with one of my classmates highlights the disparity between the persona one presents on Instagram and the reality of their life. She had a vibrant and active Instagram profile with thousands of followers, stunning photos, and a seemingly busy social life. However, in person, she appeared quite different. She had significantly fewer close friends, often sat alone at lunch, and was generally well-known but not highly liked.
The images she posted on Instagram did not accurately represent her life. They were carefully curated to present an idealized version rather than the genuine truth. The ability to alter and present a perfect image through filters and editing demonstrates how social media can distort our understanding of reality. The whole point of these carefully crafted images is to present an ideal that may not match the reality.
Implications for Teenagers
Living in a world where Instagram defines your popularity, the friends you can have, and how people perceive you at first glance, can be detrimental. However, the impact of social media varies widely based on individual usage and perspective. The app can be a tool for communication and business, or it can consume one's life, leading to various negative outcomes.
While I have chosen not to use Instagram to avoid getting sucked into the 'Instagram hole,' it is crucial to recognize that not having an Instagram account does not affect social life. Whether someone chooses to use Instagram or not depends on their personal values and goals. For teens concerned about their social media presence, it's important to remember that an online persona is rarely an accurate representation of one's true life.
Ultimately, the decision to use or avoid social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook is a personal one. It's essential to engage with these tools mindfully and to maintain a balance between online and offline interactions. Social media can be a valuable platform for connecting and expressing oneself, but it should not overshadow or distort one's authentic life experiences.