Social media has masterfully crafted a parallel universe where everyone’s life seems to be a perpetual highlight reel. You log into Instagram, and there it is: another friend’s graduation ceremony, a cousin’s glamorous wedding, a colleague’s baby shower, a former classmate’s new car, and let’s not forget the constant stream of vacation snapshots. Over on LinkedIn, you’re bombarded with notifications of job promotions and new positions. Twitter trends are all about the latest social causes or viral moments, while TikTok is a never-ending loop of happy dances and trending challenges.
Meanwhile, here you are, still struggling to keep your head above water. You’re not sure if you’ll be able to complete that course you’ve been slogging through, and paying fees and bills feels like a never-ending nightmare. In moments of frustration, you might even find yourself muttering in Twi, “D for Dabɛn?” (When will it be my turn?) You might ask God, “When? Why only me?”
But let’s take a moment to peel back the glittery layers of this social media mirage. What you don’t see behind those perfectly curated filters and well-chosen angles are the pains, frustrations, and disappointments that everyone else is grappling with. The truth is, everybody is going through something. Some people just happen to be better actors.
Let’s start with Instagram, the land of sunsets, gourmet meals, and fit bodies. Each post is carefully crafted to show only the best aspects of life. That graduation picture? It doesn’t show the countless sleepless nights and anxiety attacks leading up to that moment. The wedding photos? They don’t capture the stress, arguments, and compromises that happen behind the scenes. The new car? A symbol of status, perhaps, but also a sign of debt and financial strain.
Now, let’s venture into the professional wonderland that is LinkedIn. It’s where everyone is constantly moving up the ladder, switching to dream jobs, and earning accolades. But what you don’t see are the long hours, the burnout, the office politics, and the fear of being replaced by someone younger and cheaper. That shiny new job title? It might come with a heap of new responsibilities and pressures that could make the person behind it yearn for simpler times.
Twitter and TikTok are the stages where everyone’s life seems like a perpetual party. The latest trends, the funniest memes, the most heartwarming stories – they all create the illusion that life is one big celebration. But what about the people behind the screens? The ones who, after logging off, might be battling loneliness, depression, or a sense of purposelessness? Those happy dances? They might be desperate attempts to find a moment of joy in otherwise bleak circumstances.
The truth is that many people use social media as their therapy session. It’s a place to project their ideal selves, to create a façade that they’re doing just fine, thank you very much. They might post a smiling selfie after a brutal breakup, a glamorous vacation shot while drowning in debt, or a celebratory post about a new job that they’re already regretting.
The irony here is palpable. You’re comparing your behind-the-scenes struggles to someone else’s highlight reel. It’s like judging a book by its Instagram cover. And in doing so, you’re picking up their therapy sessions and adding them to your own emotional baggage. It’s a recipe for a mental health disaster.
Here’s a little secret: we’re all in this together. Every single one of us is navigating the choppy waters of life, dealing with our own unique set of challenges. Some people are just better at putting on a brave face. They’ve learned to mask their pain with smiles, to hide their frustrations behind laughter, and to disguise their disappointments with filters and hashtags.
The struggle is real, and it’s universal. You are not alone. The anxiety you feel about your future, the frustration of being stuck, the fear of not measuring up – these are feelings shared by many. The difference is, some are just better at hiding it.
Social media has a way of amplifying our insecurities, making us feel like we’re falling behind while everyone else is racing ahead. But here’s a little secret: the race is an illusion. We’re all running our own marathons, on different tracks, with different obstacles. Comparing your journey to someone else’s highlight reel is not only unfair but also futile.
Instead of wallowing in self-doubt, focus on your own path. Celebrate your small victories, acknowledge your progress, and be kind to yourself. Remember that what you see online is just a fragment of someone’s life, often the best, most polished fragment. It’s like reading the blurb of a book and assuming you know the whole story. The real narrative is much more complex and multifaceted.
So, what’s the takeaway here? How do we navigate this minefield of illusions without losing our sanity?
First and foremost, remember that social media is not real life. It’s a distorted mirror that only reflects what people want you to see. The next time you feel that pang of envy or inadequacy, remind yourself that you’re only seeing a fraction of the story. Behind every perfect post is a human being dealing with their own set of struggles.
Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own journey. Celebrate your small victories, no matter how insignificant they might seem in comparison to others’ grand achievements. Remember, your path is unique, and your worth is not determined by the number of likes or followers you have.
Rather than seeking validation from strangers online, invest in real relationships. Talk to friends and family about your struggles and triumphs. Find a support system that understands and accepts you, unfiltered and unedited.
Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. It could be something as simple as a warm cup of tea, a kind word from a friend, or a peaceful walk in the park. Gratitude has a way of shifting our focus from what we lack to what we have.
Finally, dare to be authentic. Share your real experiences, both the good and the bad. By being vulnerable, you might just give someone else the courage to do the same. After all, real connections are built on honesty and shared experiences, not on picture-perfect illusions.
In the grand arena of social media, we’re all actors playing our parts. But behind the scenes, we’re all just humans trying to make sense of this complex, messy, and beautiful life. So, the next time you find yourself feeling like you’re miles behind in life, take a step back, breathe, and remember: you’re exactly where you need to be. Keep going, keep growing, and don’t let the illusions of social media dictate your reality.
Dr. Asiamah's Gazette 