Recently I have become aware of how much of an effect the internet can have on us and the way we feel about ourselves, especially social media. Whether we realise it or not the people we follow and the content they share has the power to make us feel EPIC but can also make us feel a bit PANTS. And this is why we need to be conscious of who we are following and what they are posting. I definitely think that social media has come a long way and that there has been a push for more real content that isn’t so airbrushed and unrealistic. However, I do think there is a long way to go in this respect.
To me, a “good influencer” is one that is open and honest. Someone who shows all aspects of their life, not just the polished shiny parts. Specifically, when it comes to body image, there are many influencers out there who post pictures of them in the gym, with a six-pack promoting some sort of skinny tea. And I know for me and for a lot of people this can be incredibly damaging. It makes us feel crap about ourselves without us even realising, as we inevitably compare ourselves to the images we are seeing. But I want to remind you that firstly, these pictures are most likely edited and taken from the best possible angle with the most flattering lighting. And secondly, they have the time and money to achieve it. Which is a luxury that 99.9% of people cannot afford.
I’m all about body positivity and confidence, but there is a fine line. I think that influencers have a responsibility to share the right things and promote a normal lifestyle and look. I wish that there were more ‘normal’ influencers out there so people were fed a more realistic picture. Whether consciously or subconsciously, you will be influenced by what you are seeing on social media. So make sure you are following the right accounts. Think to yourself “have I learned something from this person” or “do they make me feel empowered and good about myself” and if the answer is no – click unfollow. Don’t give them the power to affect the way you feel about yourself. I have done this recently and I can already see a difference in the way I have been thinking about myself.
My favourite accounts to follow that always leave me feeling FAB are:
- Chessie King ( of course)
- Lizzo
- Georgie Clarke
- Honey Ross
And many more, so go check them out and unfollow all the other unhelpful ones
Don’t get me wrong, I am on my phone as much as the next millennial. I was shooketh when I looked at my screen time and saw a rather high number … not good. I blame Tiktok for this, it's highly addictive, I have fallen into the Tiktok trap many, many times. However, I’m trying to spend less time on my phone and be more present. I won’t lie, I find it really hard. For some reason, I think that I am going to miss out on something major if I’m not on my phone. But in reality, this is not true, if I don’t go on my phone for a day, it will most likely be the case that I missed nothing but a text from 02 asking if I want to upgrade. I think that now more than ever, being on our phones all the time leaves us feeling a bit down in the dumps. With a 24hr news, it seems as though at the moment there is nothing positive, or nothing to give us hope that things are going to get better. If you can relate to this feeling I would encourage you to unplug for a day or two, and celebrate the small things you can, like being able to go on a nice walk, or cooking your favourite meal. In all honestly, you aren’t going to miss out on anything major, your friends won’t think you have fallen off the face of the earth and I can guarantee you will feel refreshed afterwards.
Also, on a slightly different note (this just popped into my head.) Why is social media called social media when it makes us all less sociable? Just something to think about. If anyone has any ideas please feel free to let me know.
So check in with yourself, and think. “Is this person's social media benefitting me or adding to my life?”. And if the answer is no. You know what to do.
Stop letting social media ruin your mood!
Love,
P
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