She Strengthens

The Dark Side of Social Media: Why It’s Time to Rethink Your Feed

Social media gets a bad rap, and for good reason. While it has the power to unite and inspire us, it can also lead us down a rabbit hole of comparison and self-doubt. As someone who’s spent years reporting on the advertising space, I thought I was immune to the negative effects of social media. But when I took a closer look at my own Instagram habits, I realized that the platform was influencing my daily decisions in ways I didn’t even realize.

The Unfollow Experiment

I decided to take drastic measures and started unfollowing accounts that made me feel bad about myself. It wasn’t easy, but it was liberating. I began to focus on accounts that made me happy, entertained me, and inspired me to be a better person. I still follow creators who occasionally post sponsored content, but I prioritize those who educate and uplift me over those trying to sell me a lifestyle.

My Top 10 Favorite Accounts

So, who do I follow these days? Here are the top 10 accounts that bring me joy and inspiration:

1. Madeline Faith Fitness

Madeline is a certified personal trainer who shares straight-up advice on fitness technique. Her “Movement Monday” series is a must-watch for anyone looking to improve their gym routine.

2. FitNika101

Nika is a certified personal trainer who’s not only strong and badass but also hilarious and goofy. Her workout videos are fun to follow, and her body-positive vibes are infectious.

3. Elsie Larson

Elsie is a professional influencer who uses her platform to promote adoption and albinism awareness. Her family posts are heartwarming and educational, and her transparency about the adoption process is refreshing.

4. Martha Bonneau

Martha is another adoptive parent who shares her family’s journey with honesty and humor. Her account is relatable, educational, and full of everyday parenting moments.

5. Kim Thai

Kim is a fashion and beauty influencer who exudes happiness and a love for all things beautiful. Her makeup tutorials are fun to recreate, and her ASMR YouTube channel is a hidden gem.

6. Brianna Haire

Brianna is a 19-year-old hip-hop dancer who’s always posting fun and lighthearted dance videos. Her energy is infectious, and her passion for dance is inspiring.

7. Go Chloe Go

Chloe is a special needs cat who’s paralyzed from the waist down. Her story is heartwarming, and her owners’ honesty about the expenses involved in caring for a special needs pet is refreshing.

8. Whitney Catalano (TrustYourBodyProject)

Whitney is a registered dietician who specializes in intuitive eating. Her feed is educational, uplifting, and free from guilt trips.

9. Vegan Richa

Richa is a vegan food blogger who shares easy-to-follow recipes that are both practical and delicious. Her feed is a must-follow for anyone looking for healthy meal inspiration.

10. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

AOC is a politician who’s changing the game with her grassroots approach to politics. Her feed is informative, empowering, and a breath of fresh air in the world of politics.

By following these accounts, I’ve been able to curate a feed that inspires and uplifts me. It’s time to rethink your own feed and prioritize accounts that make you feel good about yourself.