Social Media Doesn't Show The Full Picture | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Social Media Doesn't Show The Full Picture

Although it easy to get wrapped up in, social media is not reality.

835
Social Media Doesn't Show The Full Picture

Between Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook, Tumblr, etc., people have been able to share more and more of their lives with the world. You rarely see anyone out to eat at a restaurant, relaxing on the beach, or even walking in the park without taking a picture of what they are doing. Although the increasing popularity of social media has allowed people to connect with one another and share their experiences, it has also created a great disconnect with reality.

Nowadays, you are judged by your image on social media before someone even really knows you. Some people spend hours selecting the perfect picture, with the perfect edit and filter on it, to post just to get the most likes possible. Some even make a career out of posting on social media and getting the most likes, so they have the constant pressure of keeping up with their posts and people become obsessed with their lives. Prominent social media figures, like Savannah Montano and Alexis Ren, have large fan bases of teenage girls that obsess over them and wish their lives were as perfect as theirs. What these people fail to realize is that these social media celebrities are human too, and their accounts only show you what they want you to see. It is not the full picture.


Sure, when you look at these pictures, you think these people live perfect lives. They're skinny, they're beautiful, they're always traveling — they must have it all. What people fail to realize is that both social media celebrities and regular everyday people are very particular with what they post. Of course you won't post a picture you look bad in and of course you will post about the positives in your life and refrain from revealing the negatives. These people go places and buy things for the sole purpose of posting on social media to keep up their image. For example, at a party or other social event, there are always a group of girls (and guys, for the record) who are in the corner taking hundreds of pictures with each other. When you see those pictures online, you think that they must be out having the best time when in reality, they're standing in a corner taking pictures the whole time.

Essena O'Neill, teen Instagram star and model, decided to quit social media for good earlier this year, despite the fact she was making a living off her accounts and had a following of more than half a million. She spoke out against it, revealing that her pictures were not an accurate representation of her or her life. She stated, "I was consumed by it. I wasn't living in a 3D world. So many people strive to be popular online to validate themselves, manipulating photos and captions to give the idea they are happy just to get followers and be 'idolized'."

The main message that the ex-Instagram star is promoting is one that everyone should keep in mind: social media is not real. Do not idolize people for what they post or feel like your life is miserable because you are constantly comparing it to the lives that these people share. Social media does not show the full picture. It is not reality.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

1955
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

1195
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

200410
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

21019
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments