She Strengthens

The Unattainable Dream: How Social Media Perfectionism is Hurting Women

The Allure of Perfection

Earlier this week, we shared a story about a young woman who spent $10,000 chasing her dream of becoming a travel blogger. The staggering cost and her subsequent financial struggles left many of us bewildered. But this phenomenon is not unique to travel blogging. Many bloggers, regardless of their niche, promote an unrealistic and often unattainable lifestyle that prioritizes experiences over financial security.

The “Quit Your Job, Travel the World” Mentality

This approach is not only impractical but also unsustainable. It’s a mentality that encourages people to abandon stability and security for the sake of adventure. As someone who has traveled extensively while maintaining a full-time job, I believe there’s a more practical and affordable way to explore the world without breaking the bank.

The Pressure to Present Perfection

Blogging, regardless of the niche, often perpetuates an all-or-nothing approach. It’s an environment where perfection is expected, and even the smallest mistakes are carefully curated to appear beautiful and thoughtful. This pressure to present perfection is not limited to bloggers; it’s a societal expectation that affects us all.

The Hidden Truth Behind Perfect Images

Behind every perfectly styled photo lies a carefully crafted illusion. Bloggers often receive free products or services in exchange for promotion, and these transactions are rarely disclosed. Even those with large followings may not be earning a substantial income, and the lack of transparency makes it difficult for readers to understand the financial dynamics at play.

The Importance of Radical Transparency

As someone who has been fooled by the curated images and stories, I believe in the importance of radical transparency when it comes to money and online lives. It’s essential to be honest about the costs and efforts involved in creating a seemingly perfect lifestyle.

The Dark Side of Blogging

Blogging is often romanticized, but the reality is that it’s a challenging and complex endeavor. It requires a business mindset, technical expertise, and administrative skills, making it difficult for solo creatives to succeed. The fact that we’re able to pay our editorial assistant a fair wage is a privilege, and I want to emphasize the difficulties of making a living through blogging.

The Gendered Nature of Perfectionism

Unfortunately, this dynamic is heavily gendered. Women are often targeted by perfect Pinterest boards, unattainable design sites, and style bloggers with comped wardrobes. We’re tempted to buy designer items and strive for an unrealistic aesthetic, which can lead to financial insecurity and mental health issues.

The False Promise of Perfection

We’ve all fallen prey to the allure of perfection, tempted to buy into the idea that a certain product or lifestyle will bring us happiness. But the truth is, it’s often just an illusion. We need to recognize that the pursuit of perfection is bad for women – it’s bad for our self-esteem, our idea of reality, and our wallets.

It’s time to be honest about the fact that this unattainable dream is hurting women. We need to stop perpetuating the myth that we need to have certain things or look a certain way to be worthy. We deserve better than to be fooled by curated images and false promises of perfection.