We all do it. We play the comparison game. We follow friends, celebrities, bloggers, and all kinds of people on social media, and their lives just seem....perfect, ideal, flawless.

Our lives pale in comparison to theirs.

We compare ourselves to others so easily. And whether people (ourselves included) mean to or not, they often use social media to create a sort of idealistic representation of their lifestyle. Viewing some people's social media outlets can seem like we are looking at a fairy-tale sometimes. It seems like their lives are perfect, like they have everything pulled together, all the time, and like they never mess up or have bad days.

Here's a reality check though, no matter what social media may present, none of us actually have it totally pulled together.

Sure, social media has its positives, but there are plenty of negatives that go along with it as well. When people become too idealistic with their representations of their lives online, it skews reality. It would seem that true authenticity is slowly slipping away. There is a real danger to that. When it comes to social media, reality, and authenticity, here are some things to keep in mind:

1. People are presenting only what they want you to see.

It may appear to be perfect, but people are only showing you a partial reality. Things may appear perfect, but you never know what negative things may be lurking under the surface that they just are not showing you.

2. The comparison game is a very, very dangerous thing to begin.

We are all unique. We all have our own, special purposes in life. There is a reason that we are not at the same point in life as everyone else that we admire online. Our purpose is different than theirs. We are different people, and it is okay to have different looking lives. When we begin comparing ourselves to others, we ignore these things, and instead, begin to feel depressed and frustrated with where we are. It can be difficult, but fight the urge to constantly compare your life to others, and enjoy where you are right now. Live in the now instead of some idealistic fantasy of the future.

3. Be real.

Instead of falling into the trap of sugar-coating your life online, try being real instead. Consider being open about the bad day you've had, or the struggles you are facing. Be open about the good and the bad. It can be encouraging to have a reminder that we are all human and face the same struggles.

So, guys, let's be more real. Let's stop sugar-coating and idealizing who we are. Let's stop idolizing others who appear to have it all together when they really don't. Let's take a more healthy approach to social media. Let's live authentic lives.