Our lives, the way we grow, the struggles, the accomplishments and triumphs are documented, in picture albums, curriculum vitae, social media, and so on. Using these records, we may compare our lives with those of our colleagues, classmates, and peers, especially as perceived from their presentations on their social media pages. Seeing how people measure themselves by the yardstick of other people's accomplishments, it's easy to find the perusal of such social media pages a source of emotional stress. There are people I know who tell me that social media depresses them. This viewpoint is supported by studies such as one by E. Ferrara & Z. Yang, which found that emotional states are easily manipulated through social media.
When you log in and see pictures and videos of friends and peers at celebrations, showing off their achievements, photo shoots, new outfits and so on , after clicking the like button, and scrolling down only to see more and more... phew.
But most social media users tend to showcase the highlights of their lives, posting all the positive and important moments, while leaving out the negative and mundane. One's comparison of one's normal life to these highlights may elicit feelings of inadequacy and inferiority (Christian Waldemar).
There is joy in celebrating others, but when you begin to compare the glittering achievements you see with your own, you may feel despair and depression but it shouldn't: Indeed it should drive you to want to improve your lot. Comparing yourself to another shouldn't bring forth animosity but a fiery inspiration to exceed your current state, to develop yourself and become better than you are today.
We all run our own race; we may sometimes require others to guide and assist us, in our learning and growth, but many carry insecurities because they're not learning as fast as another, or don't earn as much or lack something considered worth having, or any of a myriad other shortcomings compared to other people.
Truthfully, we're all different, unique in our idiosyncrasies and on different paths to the destination we've set for ourselves.
'No one can make you feel inferior without your consent". Eleanor Roosevelt.
Live a beautiful life; you only have one.
Comments
Beautiful article...