Reel vs Real

Media literacy: A valuable skill to apply when consuming social media content. 

It seems like in recent months people have started dialogue about how social media serves as a highlight reel as opposed to a true depiction of reality.  In reflecting upon my own use of social media, I can transparently say that when I post pictures on my personal account, it tends to be during fun, special times in my life. My intention is not to give the impression that I have a perfect or consistently happy, fun life, but I don’t turn to posting on social media when things are hard. I turn to other outlets. This is not an attempt to be deceptive but that DOESNT MEAN IT ISN’T DECEPTIVE.  Where this becomes harmful, is when people misperceive a persons social media content to be THE FULL STORY. I am not suggesting that posts are not real but I am emphasizing that they are not the full story. This is a significant distinction. Lets look at this a bit deeper, shall we?

  • It is common and completely understandable that people post times of joy spent with family/friends, traveling, and engaging in exciting activities. This curated image however does not show this same person’s struggles. Which do exist. EVERYONE STRUGGLES. Everyone. No exception. Remind yourself that just because such struggles are not documented on social media does not mean they do not exist. 
  • The other piece to be mindful of when consuming social media relates to how photographic images can be altered. This can include manipulating the filter, lighting, or angles. This could also mean that an individual is using an app that changes aspects of the image. There are so many apps that manipulate images. So. Many.
  • An image is one moment in time. That is all. One moment captured on camera among hundreds of thousands of moments. We have no idea how many pictures someone took to get the image they choose to post. It could be a “one shot wonder” or it could be one of 4000. 
  • Notice the story you tell yourself when you look at images. The story will impact you more than the actual image. We all constantly create narratives in our efforts to make sense of our world. We do this without having facts. Rather we make assumptions. Instead of making assumptions, practice looking at images at face value. Here is an example. Imagine a picture of Bob and his girlfriend taken at the beach.
    • “Bob is at the beach with his girlfriend”: FACT
    • “Bob is on vacation again. He’s doing so much better than I am at work, has a better relationship than me, and has such a happy, fulfilling life”: ASSUMPTION
  • Don’t compare yourself to anyone else you see on social media. Even your friends! I want to challenge you to reflect on your social media usage. Consider asking yourself the following questions:
    • What are my intentions behind my social media use (how am I using it? What am I using it for?)?
    • What role does it play in my life? 
    • How does it make me feel? 
    • How does it bring value to my life?
    • When do I notice social media has a negative impact on me?
  • Follow accounts that align with your values and bring you more value.
  • Unfollow accounts that lead you to compare yourself negatively to others, feel worse about yourself, and reinforce harmful messaging (ex: weight loss, dieting, self criticism, self judgement, shame, guilt) 

Social media truly can be helpful IF YOU LET IT BE. You are the consumer. Consume in a way that enhances your life!!

Janelle LenhoffComment