Judging by the number of books that are coming on the market, the effects of social media on a person’s well-being has become a huge issue.
Basically, people are selling their souls for likes.
It becomes addictive. When you see people engaging with content you created, and liking that content, the desire to have more of that approval becomes the result itself. The content is no longer important, it is trying to figure out what people are going to “like”.
Unfortunately, for young women this is turning into showing more of their bodies as they look for approval.
Where these platforms are great tools for educating, inspiring, and motivating others, they are turning into sites where egos are built up and then torn down. The situation is getting out of hand.
It is important to remember that once something is on the internet – it’s out there. Even the images on SnapChat, which are supposed to disappear after they are viewed, can be captured using other apps.
There is little anonymity anymore.
While this may not matter to someone in this moment, a day could come where it will. And there will be nothing they can do to take it all back.
Employers are sifting through social media to gauge whether potential employees are a good fit with their company. Think about what you are posting and how this will reflect on you. It really does matter.
You may make yourself un-hireable due to an insatiable need to get approval from an audience that is here today, gone tomorrow.
There are ways to represent yourself that aren’t demeaning.
If you are showcasing a fitness or health image, then show yourself actually engaging in physical activity wearing what is appropriate. Don’t turn it into soft porn.
If you are trying to be funny, then just remember that relatives, employers, co-workers and teachers are going to see it. If you wouldn’t show it to your parents, don’t put it on display in the first place.
It is absolutely possible to turn a social media presence into a business, but just remember that there will always be someone younger or prettier or with a better body than you coming along, and your audience will turn away.
If what you are providing has no substance other than a half-naked picture, your fame is likely to be short-lived.
Do what makes you proud. Do something that you could show to your grandparents, or your own children and not be embarrassed.
Getting a few likes isn’t worth losing your self-worth.