Instagram is full of fun and aesthetic content, pretty people, amazing vacations, outfits, food, and more. It’s one of the most popular apps in the world, but what if it’s doing more than just keeping us entertained? What if it’s actually affecting how we feel about ourselves and our lives?
Instagram is basically a collection of everyone’s best moments. People post the best photos, with the best lighting, angles, filters, sometimes even full-on editing. And when you scroll through that kind of content all the time, it’s hard not to compare yourself. You start thinking your life isn’t as exciting or that you don’t look as good as everyone else. Even if you know it’s not 100% real, it still gets to you. Seeing perfect-looking people or luxury lifestyles over and over can mess with your confidence. It makes you feel like you’re not doing enough or you’re not enough. This can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and even sadness all because you’re comparing your real life to someone else’s filtered one. And the worst part? Most of us don’t even realize we’re doing it.
“Yeah, for sure. I think people start thinking they need to look or live a certain way. Like, if you’re not going on trips or dressing a certain way, it feels like you’re behind or something,” Ethan Duran, senior, said.
Have you ever felt a little off after scrolling Instagram? Like, your day was fine until you opened the app and suddenly you felt kind of “blah”? That’s because your brain is being hit with all these images and messages that say, “Look at what you’re missing.” It can make your normal, everyday life seem boring in comparison even though it’s totally normal and valid.
“Yeah, for sure. I think people start thinking they need to look or live a certain way. Like, if you’re not going on trips or dressing a certain way, it feels like you’re behind or something,” Ethan Duran, senior, said.
The urge to compare ourselves to others is a constant. How often do you compare yourself to those on socials?
“All the time. Even if I know they’re using filters or editing, it still makes me question how I look. Sometimes I have to remind myself it’s not real life,” Duran said.
Of course, Instagram isn’t all bad. There’s a lot of good stuff on their funny memes, inspiring posts, friends’ updates, and creative content. It can even be a way to express yourself or stay connected. But like anything, it’s about balance. If you notice you’re comparing yourself too much or feeling worse after scrolling, it might be time to take a break, change who you follow, or just remember: no one’s life is as perfect as it looks on Instagram.
