In the digital century, we often find ourselves surrounded by images that present an idealized version of life—one that appears perfect and unattainable. As we scroll through curated feeds, it’s clear that social media contributes to a growing culture of perfectionism. In this piece, I want to talk about how social media affects our idea of perfection, why this happens, and how it can impact our well-being.
Seeking for Perfection
Social media is a place where people show their best selves. We see beautiful travel photos, perfect bodies, and artfully arranged meals. This flood of ideal images can make us think that being perfect is not only possible but also expected. For instance, when I compare my wavy hair to the perfect curls of influencers, I often feel let down instead of loving my own hair.
The Comparison Trap
One major reason for the rise in perfectionism is the culture of comparison on social media. As we look at these carefully made posts, we often compare our own lives, looks, and achievements to others. This constant comparing can make us feel inadequate and create self-doubt, pushing us to live up to the polished images we see online.
External Validation and Self-Worth
Social media has turned into a way for people to seek approval and measure their self-worth. The number of likes, comments, and followers can start to feel like measures of our value, making us chase after external validation. The pressure to keep a perfect online image can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem. Interestingly, many of our followers are people we don’t know in real life—and some might even be bots!
Deception of Genuine Connection & Authenticity
While social media helps us connect, it often shows a filtered reality that hides imperfections and struggles. The content shared is selective, creating a false idea of what is “normal” or “successful.” This can make us feel like we’re not enough if we don’t live up to these created standards. For example, if you don’t wake up in a fancy van by the beach, brewing coffee while wearing a beautiful dress, it might seem like you’re missing out. And let’s be honest—if you’ve ever camped in an RV, you know it’s not as glamorous as it looks!
Impact on Mental Health
The constant push for perfection from social media can greatly affect our mental health. Studies have shown that more social media use is linked to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and body dissatisfaction. The pressure to look perfect can hurt our self-esteem and overall happiness, making life feel like it’s never “good enough.” Instead of enjoying the journey, we focus on reaching an ideal goal.
Finding Balance in Social Media
So, does this mean all social media is bad? Not at all! I enjoy connecting with friends, family, and even new people online. We can have a healthy relationship with social media if we use it mindfully. Here are some simple ways to do that:
- Awareness: Realize that many posts are carefully made and don’t show the whole truth. Those perfect photos often use filters!
- Limit Screen Time: Set limits on how much time you spend on social media to avoid negative comparisons.
- Authenticity: Embrace who you are, including your imperfections, like that fun wavy hair!
- Selective Following: Follow accounts that inspire and uplift you, promoting self-acceptance and positivity.
- Offline Connections: Balance your online time with in-person connections. I’ve made it a point to meet friends for coffee or dinner, enjoying time together in real life.
The rise of perfectionism due to social media is a complex issue that affects our mental health. By understanding how social media shapes our views on perfection and taking steps to use it more mindfully, we can embrace our true selves and focus on what makes us happy. Remember, true happiness comes from celebrating our uniqueness and valuing real connections and experiences outside the digital world.
Photos: Pexels
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