Social Media Envy | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Social Media Envy

The grass is greener with an Instagram filter

214
Social Media Envy
Stocksnap

Good old social media. We love it, we hate it, we're addicted to it, and we're sick of it. Between Facebook, twitter, Instagram, and everything in between we are so connected. We can follow celebrities on Snapchat to get a glimpse at their lives. We can take quizzes to learn about our future. We can try to get #JusticeforBradsWife on Twitter. We can stay in touch with old friends on Facebook. We can use Instagram for everything from marketing our favorite products to fueling our self esteem. The possibilities, good and bad, are truly endless.

Here's something I always find fascinating on social media, how perfect everyone's life looks. Everyone looks so happy! Promotions, new homes, kids, engagements, you name it and I bet I've seen it on my timeline this week.

I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that and I'm not saying I'm not guilty of it myself, because I so am. I would love it if everyone I knew did have a perfect life filled with everything they've ever wanted, but we all know that's just not happening.

Recently I was talking with a friend about a mutual acquaintance of ours who just seems to have it all. A thriving career, going on vacations, going to the gym all the time, and constantly posting about her success. It got us wondering, why does she feel the need to remind us all daily that she's so happy? So successful? I hate to admit but it made me wonder if she was really as happy as she claimed.

A few different Facebook friends seemed like they were doing so well, married with kids and living the American dream. I would see their posts and think, "Wow, what a perfect life. I want that." Then one day I realized "Weird, haven't seen her post about her husband for a while. He wasn't in any of these pictures..." Is it possible this person's life I was just envying isn't as perfect as it seemed?

There have been so many times where the grass looks so much greener on Facebook, then I hear through the grapevine that the grass has actually been stomped on, dried out and covered up with AstroTurf.

We all have this idea in or heads that we need to look good to our peers. It's like a competition, who from high school is doing the best in life. We all glaze over our issues, fake a smile and post it on Instagram. It's okay to "fake it till you make it" and it's okay to leave your dirty laundry at home. It's okay to only post the Insta-worthy.

Just don't waste your time lusting after people's lives that they portray on social media. You don't know what goes on behind closed doors. You don't know what problems they silently struggle with.

It's okay if you feel like posting: Today was terrible, I don't have a job and no guys, I'm not engaged yet.

It's okay if the only thing you relate to online are articles headlined 30 Signs You're a Hot Mess.

It's okay if roll your eyes at every pregnancy, engagement, promotion announcement from now until the end of time.

Don't buy into the charade that everyone you're following has it figured out because I'd be willing to bet they don't. Life isn't as good as you pretend it is online, life is as good as you make it.

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

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

188348
 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

13748
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
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456979
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26092
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments