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PART XI

SOCIAL COMPARISON

FORTY-ONE

THE AGE OF THE SELFIE

FALSE PRESSURE FROM FRAGMENTATION

We are living in an era characterized by intense competition and individualism, epitomized by the Social Media culture of constantly vying for likes and followers. The “age of the selfie,” as it is often called, showcases our societal shift towards self-promotion and comparison, contributing to a highly competitive environment.

Where else does this false pressure build up for our character in the form of content we put out? If you are putting the content out, that means you have the power to create it. Now, I am not here to judge what anyone does online. I have my own social habits to battle as well; I am never exempt from any of this, and I learned the strategies behind the social platform from going through the anxiety and doing the research into why I was feeling this way. 

See, I didn't always love myself growing up, but I saw value in my beauty. In my own eyes I thought I was perfect for a very long time – until I didn’t. And it is interesting to look back and see that in fact it was when I started not loving what I “saw” that my looks actually did begin to change on my physical body weight, face appearance. AND it was exactly once I started using Social Media – not just any of the Social Media platforms, but Instagram. Now remember as I tell this story, I am an Instagram influencer, or at least I was for a very long time, so as we shine a light on the platform, know I still use it AND I use it with a new lens for interaction based on knowing these things. The goal is not to get off the social platforms. The big change in self-esteem and self-reflection of the physical body came with filters. The filters act to fragment the soul again, changing and altering the appearance, creating a false view and a false image. An image that is reflected back over and over and over again, strengthening the cord to the false image. Well, how do you think the mind reacts when it then looks in the mirror? In the mirror in real life, without a filter. You guessed it! It enters the self-esteem and self-confidence issues that are the root of the anxiety felt by Social Media. 

Knowing all that you now know, you can adjust your strategy when interacting with Social Media. By knowing how it performs, you can reduce and eliminate this unneeded pressure. The filter was and is social conditioning to help begin to blend the lines of what is considered normal for appearance; it is the beginning of augmented reality. Yes, I bet you didn't think when you were using Social Media filters you were being primed for the coming years of avatars and distorted facial appearances (which will all be available options). Social Media distortion of the self/of the soul.

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