She Strengthens

The Social Media Paradox: How to Turn a Virtual Vice into a Personal Virtue

The Unfiltered Truth

It’s easy to despise social media, especially on visually-driven platforms like Instagram, where superficial beauty often reigns supreme. The constant pursuit of “likes” and “follows” can feel like a race to the bottom of our collective soul. It’s no wonder shows like Black Mirror parody our quest for the perfect online persona, highlighting the emptiness of our real lives.

A Personal Struggle

I, too, have fallen prey to the allure of picture-perfect lifestyle blogs and influencer marketing. It’s infuriating to see acquaintances peddle products without disclosure, making it seem like they’re living the high life. But as I scroll through my feed, I’m forced to confront my own hypocrisy. Why should I be envious of someone’s West Elm-furnished dining table or washboard abs? The answer lies in recognizing the artificiality of these curated images.

A Call to Honesty

Over a year ago, I launched #totalhonestytuesday as a response to the fake presentation I saw in myself and others. After posting a photo of my depleted checking account balance, I realized that one day of honesty wasn’t enough. As someone whose job involves maintaining an active social media presence, I needed to find a way to separate the real from the staged.

Beyond Envy

It’s easy to get caught up in the rabbit hole of beautiful lifestyle blogs and feel a mix of resentment and wonder. But I wanted to go beyond just “not being envious” and use Instagram for my personal betterment. If I like a social medium, it should positively impact my life, right?

Accountability and Growth

I realized that the notion of “doing something for Instagram” doesn’t have to be negative. By involving others and posting about my budget, I was able to hold myself accountable and conquer my money habits. Why couldn’t Instagram serve the same function on a day-to-day basis? I started taking pictures of the meals I cook and sharing them regularly. This accountability has made me a better home cook, more innovative with ingredients, and more confident in my recipes.

A Healthier Approach

Similarly, using Instagram has made me more judicious with my personal style and home decor. I’m more inclined to use everything in my closet, pare down unnecessary items, and create a cohesive personal style. And when it comes to my home, keeping things cleaned and organized is easier when it means taking a pretty picture of it.

Setting Boundaries

To keep my online presence “real,” I focus on homemade and DIY projects, avoid over-styling, and only post things I’m actually using or enjoying. It’s not a perfect system, but it keeps me feeling like my overall style is about attainability, rather than being an object of envy.

Embracing Social Media

These platforms are a part of our lives; why not use them to our advantage? By encouraging ourselves to do more of the things we want to be doing anyway, we can turn social media into a tool for personal growth. There’s nothing wrong with wanting more beauty in our lives.