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Summer is a time when many Young Adults strive to create lasting memories, whether through travel, outdoor activities, or simply enjoying the warmth of the sun.
The Age of Instagram
However, in the age of social media, the way we, as Young Adults, perceive our own summers can be profoundly influenced by the carefully curated images and stories we encounter on platforms like Instagram or TikTok. This phenomenon often leads to the dreaded “Instagram vs. Reality” scenario, where our own experiences seem to pale in comparison to the idyllic portrayals we see online.
It’s Hard to Avoid Comparison
It can be hard to snap ourselves out of the comparison driven by social media and ground ourselves in the reality of our own experiences. We’ve got you covered though, we understand why it happens, and what you’re feeling, and have some ideas about how you can combat the sadness that may come with comparing your life to people’s insta-lives.
The Perils of Instagram-Induced FOMO
Instagram has become a hub for sharing the highlights of your life, and summers are no exception. In fact, the summer can be the worst of it. From exotic vacations to beach days and picture-perfect sunsets, scrolling through your Instagram feed can make it feel like everyone but you is living their best summer life. This constant exposure to idealized representations of other people’s lives can lead to a dreaded phenomenon known as FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).
Exactly What is Fear of Missing Out?
FOMO is a pervasive feeling of inadequacy and anxiety driven by the belief that others are having more enjoyable and fulfilling experiences than you. During the summer, this can intensify as you see friends, acquaintances, and even strangers seemingly living dreamy lives filled with adventures, parties, and picturesque moments. As you compare your own summer to these digital snapshots, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of self-doubt, comparison, and envy.
The Mental Health Toll
Comparing your summer to the highly curated and filtered versions presented on Instagram can have a significant impact on your mental health as a young adult:
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Low Self-Esteem: Constantly comparing yourself to others can erode your self-esteem. You may start to believe that your own summer experiences are not good enough or that you’re somehow failing at enjoying life.
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Anxiety and Depression: FOMO-induced anxiety can lead to stress and even depression. The constant exposure to idealized versions of others’ lives can make you feel like you’re missing out on something essential, leading to negative emotions.
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Inauthenticity: To keep up with the image portrayed on social media, people often engage in performative behaviors rather than authentic experiences. This can lead to a disconnect between who you are online and who you are in real life, causing identity issues.
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Wasted Time: Spending excessive time scrolling through Instagram, and comparing your summer to others, can be a significant time-waster, and not one that will bring us rest and rejuvenation. This lost time could have been spent enjoying your summer or pursuing activities that genuinely make you happy.
Navigating the Instagram vs. Reality Dilemma
While social media can be a double-edged sword, there are ways to mitigate its negative impact on your mental health:
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Mindful Consumption: Be conscious of your social media usage. Limit your time on platforms like Instagram and remember that people often only share the highlights, not the mundane or challenging moments of their lives.
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Unfollow or Mute: If certain accounts consistently trigger negative emotions, consider unfollowing or muting them. Your mental health is more important than maintaining a digital connection.
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Practice Gratitude: Focus on what you’re grateful for in your own life, rather than fixating on what you lack. Remember that everyone faces ups and downs, and social media only captures a small part of the story.
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Authenticity Over Perfection: Embrace the imperfections of your summer and celebrate them. Authenticity is often more relatable and inspiring than perfection.
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Engage Mindfully: When you do use social media, engage mindfully. Ask yourself why you’re scrolling and how it makes you feel. If it doesn’t contribute positively to your life, consider other activities.
Ready to Create Your Own True to Self Reality? Therapy for Young Adults in NYC is here to help Guide You.
The “Instagram vs. Reality” phenomenon can undoubtedly take a toll on your mental health as a young adult. This is especially true during the summer when social media is flooded with seemingly perfect moments. However, by practicing mindful consumption, focusing on gratitude, and valuing authenticity over perfection, you can navigate the social media landscape more effectively. Remember, your worth is not defined by the number of likes or the glamor of your Instagram posts. Your real summer experiences are valuable and meaningful, even if they don’t always match the glossy images on your screen.
Follow the steps below to get started with Therapy for Young Adults in NYC:
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Learn more about Our Team
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Other Services Offered
In addition, to support in coping with Anxiety, we offer services for related issues like Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQ Affirming Therapy, Maternal Mental Health, and Coaching. We look forward to guiding you on your unique journey to well-being.
