My Relationship with Social Media: LJ1

I started using social media in sixth grade and have been using it more than I would like to admit ever since. The first platforms I used were Instagram and Twitter, then Facebook, then Snapchat a few years after, then TikTok only a couple of years ago. I still used all these platforms, besides Facebook. 

Most of my social media behaviors have drastically changed since I started to use it, which is to be expected. My Instagram and Twitter behaviors changed the most. When I first started using Instagram, I would post almost any funny posts or memes that I found online. I would rarely post pictures of myself, besides the occasional goofy group selfie or group picture with my friends. All of these were spontaneous, unedited posts. As I grew older and used the app more, I started to post less and think about what I post more. I don’t post nearly as often now, and when I do, there is deliberation behind which pictures I should post and how to edit them. I also typically only post pictures of myself or with one or two friends. On Twitter, I would retweet almost anything I found relatable or entertaining and Tweet random things multiple times a day. Now, similar to Instagram, I don’t Tweet or retweet as often, and  I think more about what I post before I post it.

I would say the biggest change in my social media behavior from when I started to use it is that I am much less spontaneous now. I consider what other people would think about my posts much more now than I did back then. I post less, try and make my posts more aesthetically pleasing and/or funny, and typically always ask my friends before I post anything. I always want my posts to shine a good light on me, so I avoid posting foul language, anything controversial, and anything generally inappropriate. I also avoid posting too much. I want to have fun with social media, so I keep my posts fun and light-hearted. Even though I still enjoy using social media and taking & posting pictures, it is definitely less carefree and slightly more nerve-wracking now. 

I think this change is both for the good and for the bad. As I grow older, I do need to maintain a good presence online. This is important for making new friends, finding a potential roommate, searching for a life partner, and getting a job. Social media is the first step to vetting someone and/or getting to know them. As important as this is, I do feel as though oftentimes I let social media get to my head and take my online image a bit too seriously. There have been too many instances that I liked a picture of myself and wanted to post it, but after staring at it for too long I found a few things wrong with it and decided against it. Other times I would be ready to post something, but then I would decide not to after seeing someone else’s post and comparing myself to them. Posting selfies is a great way to boost self-confidence, but when it comes to social media it is way too easy to compare yourself to others and find things wrong with yourself. Comparing yourself to that “perfect” person on social media is a dangerous game, and it is unfortunately one most of us have probably gone through at one point or another.

I don’t exactly remember when this shift from carefree to overthinker happened. If I could go back and tell myself one thing, it would probably be “take your online self seriously, but not too seriously.” I definitely struggle with separating real life from online now, and I would like to work towards living more in the present. The idea of quitting social media for some time has crossed my mind quite a few times, but I don’t think it’s the right path for me. I genuinely enjoy having an online presence and connecting with my friends and family through various platforms, and I would feel like I am missing out if I quit social media. Social media is also a great form of self-expression. I can share my ideas, what makes me happy, my interests, and what I am passionate about. I can also learn this information about other people, see different perspectives, hear other people’s stories, and educate myself on different topics. Rather than taking one dramatic step and quitting, I just need to work on balancing online and real life.