The problem with social media

I have read a number of articles outlining the problems with social media. The impact it has on our generation can be very detrimental. From body shaming to self harming, social media sounds more like a weapon that a soldier can't control.

But is it? 

Scattered all over my social media feed, are images either persuading me I should try or buy something or just informing me of the latest happenings in my friends' lives. The images many seem to have a problem with are the ones that inadvertently sell people an idea or an concept. Whether it be the way their lives should be or the way they should look. Just like the adverts shown on TV - they are trying to sell us something. 

However, we don't criticise junk food or fast food adverts for the rate of obesity, so why do we blame social networking sites for low self-esteem? Well, I don't have an answer to that question, but what I have been thinking about, is that the problem is not with social media but with society. I love Maya Angelou's quote - we have to break free from being normal.

I say the problem lies with society, because society dictates and tells us what it is to be normal. Therefore, when many scroll through the images on their social media, they are often looking for what it means to be normal - the thought of inadequacy already exists, social media just confirms. I am not saying that this is everyone, but why do so many people body shame or go through feelings of inadequacy as they simply scroll through their social media news feed? 

Remember the donkey and the carrot? Well... this is exactly that. We finally discover just how unreachable the perfect physique really is and we begin to feel as though we're just not good enough. 

My argument is that these things, these thoughts, have existed way before social networking sites became popular. The difference is that, now the messages are more prevalent reaching us much quicker than ever before. So my conclusion is that we have to not be afraid to challenge what is deemed as normal and not let society dictate to us what we should look like or how the perfect wife should live. Unrealistic expectations will result in unexpected realities, as we find ourselves burnt out living out someone else's ideals. We have to know what we want within ourselves and work from there. 

So the problem isn't with social media, but the problem is with normal. Know how amazing you are and be your own normal. 

If you are struggling with anything mentioned in this blog, please go to any of the websites below.

www.sane.org.uk
www.mind.org.uk