Social media has had a massive impact on my self worth lately and it feels like my confidence has hit an all time low. Social media can give a snapshot as to what is going on in someone’s life, but it can make you feel like your life is less than compared to someone else’s. In reality though that is completely not the case.
I feel like I look at social media sometimes and I don’t feel comfortable being me. I don’t feel comfortable posting certain pictures because I feel like they’re not aesthetically pleasing, or I look at the image and wonder who that person is staring back at me.
Am I alone in this?
Probably not.
Over the last year I’ve been sharing less and less of myself on social media and my blog, mainly because I feel like a lot of the time I just want to hide away. I’m not sure if this is the effect of the pandemic, or where I’m at in my life, but this is where we’re at today.
I look at social media and I sometimes wonder if I’ve found my positive influences with the people that I’m following, mainly because I feel like my self worth has definitely taken a beating every time I log on.
It feels like I’ve forgotten what it feels like to appreciate my body for everything that it does. I no longer treat my body like a friend, and it bloody sucks.
I look at social media and I think maybe if I did this differently, or maybe if I did that, I would feel better about myself, but in reality, it doesn’t work like that. Someone’s snapshot in time, shouldn’t make me feel less than.
Not only that, I feel like where we’ve had so much taken away from us over the last year because of the pandemic, I need to get out there, enjoy my life and live my best and happiest life. But not every moment in my life needs to be “social media worthy” or “Instagram worthy” I just need to enjoy my life.
So how am I going to make a change?
When it comes to social media, I’ve been posting sporadically and sharing more of what makes me happy. So now is my time to make a change, this isn’t a change that can happen overnight, it is genuinely going to take time but I have a plan.
- follow more creators who make me feel positive
- work on the comparisons that I’m currently feeling and learn to try and let them go.
- let go of what other people think of me on social media
- learn to be myself more on social media
- focus more on what I want to see on social media
- bring the instant back to Instagram
- share more of what brings me joy.
Do you feel like over the last year social media has had an impact on your self worth? Or do you feel like it has improved and you feel better and in a better place with social media?
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Sorry to read you’re going through a tough time. I also have a hard relationship with social media at the moment, though for different reasons, so I understand your pain and applaud you for the changes you are willing to make.
I think the most important thing going forward is to cut down/edit who you follow. Get rid of anyone (be it an individual or a brand) that makes you feel less than! And as you say, follow more that makes you feel good 🙂
I totally get this! Social media can be the devil at times. I’ve found myself unfollowing a lot of accounts and only following accounts which make me feel good about myself. It’s been an amazing change! Thanks for sharing lovely Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
Social media can be a love/hate relationship for us all and I’m glad that you are doing what is best for you! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Hi Amie,
I completely agree with your thoughts. I think that it is especially important not to get drawn into valuing your worth by making comparisons to others – it doesn’t matter what others do, it’s what you do that counts.
Do what makes you happy (and share it). Be with people who make you happy. Read posts that make you happy. And ignore the rest! 🙂
I totally agree. I started focusing on the positive people as sometimes there’s way too much pressure. Great posr
You’re definitely not alone in this. Social media probably has the biggest negative impact on my self worth out of anything. It’s definitely something we need to get under control and learn how to manage!
I can definitely relate to what you’re saying. For a long time I was hiding myself from the camera, although trying to push myself because I felt like I had to fit a certain mould for social media. I’m so glad I had a clear out and stopped placing my worth in what other people were doing and comparing myself, it’s liberating just doing what I want for me. If we aren’t doing what makes us happy, what’s the point? Great post.
While social media has it’s advantages, it has some disadvantages as well. Social media has had some really negative effect on my self worth and self image in time past but I have learnt to manage social media effectively and not be carried away by what I see on there. I am not perfect but social media ain’t real life either. There’s s much fakeness out there and I make a conscious effort to not be negatively impacted by social media. Loved this!
Fantastic post! Social media is so bad for your mental health sometimes- although I do love following skin-positive accounts on Instagram to improve my skin image and show me that not everyone has perfect, flawless skin x
Great post! I’m really sorry to hear that you’ve been struggling with this but these steps look like they’ll make a really positive difference to you. I especially love your points about sharing what you love and following accounts which make you feel more positive! Thanks for sharing x
I’m sorry to know that you struggling but it’s ok to take time back and relax. Try to compose yourself and I’m sure you will get back to it. Sometimes it could be toxic and nothing we can do about it.
You are defo not alone in this! I have felt similar feelings a lot in the years I’ve had a blog. I love your ideas and tips for change, I’m going to have a go at some of them!
Rosie
You are definitely not alone here.
Social media is such a funny world. Love it and hate it at the same time. I can really relate with this post.
Thanks for sharing, I do feel like people do ignore you sometimes on social media, if you don’t fit into their blogging ideals, which makes my feel rarer lost, your tips are helpful 🙂
Social media can be such a love/hate relationship. I’m sorry you’re not feeling it at the moment. but I think you’re absolutely right going forward. I’ve definitely had a switch in mindset this year in terms of posting what I want, when I want & it’s worked wonders for my relationship with social media. I hope you’re able to do the same.
Claire.X
http://www.clairemac.co.uk
So sorry you’re feeling like this lately, I completely get it. My relationship with social media was always hard. Loved your tips, by the way. Hope you’ll feel better soon <3