Media

Social media has quickly become an important aspect of society. It is how we interact with each other and share our unique experiences. However, sometimes this can have a negative impact on your self-esteem and the choices you make. Social media has become somewhat of a contest where people try to prove that their experiences and their lives are more important or interesting than anyone else’s.

When you are flooded by all of these images and stories, it is easy to think that those lifestyles are normal and that everyone has all of these wonderful experiences. However, many of these posts are not necessarily truthful. People tend to try to draw attention to themselves in a manner that does not reflect healthy lifestyle choices. For example, you might see a celebrity posting images of him- or herself having fun on a vacation to a remote paradise island. What you may not realize is that most of these pictures are staged and do not really show what the trip or the experiences were like. Others who see these pictures may change the way they behave to be more like the celebrity, which could lead to negative lifestyle choices.

When using social media, it is easy to make poor decisions. Social media provides a barrier that does not exist in face-to-face communication that can make you feel as if what you are saying isn’t real. It is easy to be critical of someone when you do not have to face them. When you use social media, you are building your brand. An image of yourself engaging in a risky behavior might seem like a good idea at the time, but it will always be a reflection on you. Images you post on the Internet never really go away. Colleges and employers now routinely check the social media accounts of applicants as part of their screening processes. If they see posts showing poor decisions, they will be less likely to admit you or offer you a job.