People have their real selves, and then their 'better' selves, which is the self that they create on social networking sites.
The majority of the photos that they post are of them doing exciting activities, going out for dinner, new gifts that they have received or the latest gadgets they have brought, which makes their lives seem eventful and exciting all the time. From the point of view from the person on the other side of the laptop or smartphone scrolling through similar images like this, especially on a Friday or Saturday night, the poster's life seems ideal and a lot better than their own.
Do you really think that this person's life is constantly eventful? With the exception of an A-class celebrity of course, I don't think so. You can't think that they eat breakfast, lunch and dinner out everyday? Or that they are constantly 'shoppin til they're droppin' in between they're gourmet meals.
What I have found personally, is that on the site Instagram, there are a lot of people who post the better sides of themselves, making their lives seem more eventful than anyone else. What I know, is that Instagram is about uploading things as they happen, hence 'Insta' coming from instant.
Uploading a picture of you all dolled up, with the hashtag '#out for the night', when it is a picture from that party you went to a couple of months ago, is not what I call instant. What would be almost acceptable, would be if it was from a couple of days ago, but then even then, I think it is safe to say you have missed the boat of uploading this.
Wait for another outing.
If we really delve deep into this aspect of social media, showcasing your "better self" does it come from a place of honest security in ones own life or a place of exhibition? I think the root of your discussion here is that people tend to make themselves look better when they really aren't and that their lives are not worth celebrating or showing unless they're as active as an A class celebrity. Interesting comparison because I find that most celebrities, especially A list, tend to want retain their privacy as their lives are publicised enough- I haven't seen an Instagram of Angelina Jolie lately (although id like to).
ReplyDeleteI do see where you're coming from with this blog, but I think you need to narrow it down to what you're arguing for, ie- does this social media envy create low self esteem in others? (we know that now). Rather than employ a critique of others behaviour.