I’m sure many of us have a few well-known names sitting in our Instagram following list. Whether they’re models, musicians, actors or influencers with that perfect “effortless” aesthetic, these people gain their following through having something that feels just out of reach. Singers have their magnetic voices, models their height and glow and influencers their seemingly flawless lifestyles. However, those traits aren’t just parts of their identity, they are their jobs. Their “unattainable” qualities are what pay the bills. In real life, how clear your skin is or how well you can belt a high note doesn’t define your worth. That’s why turning pop culture celebrities into our idols can quietly harm the way we see ourselves and may actually be a bad influence on younger generations.
The money factor
Money really does buy a certain kind of “happiness,” at least when it comes to health and appearance. The celebrities we compare ourselves to live in an entirely different tax bracket: one that gives them access to dermatologists, nutritionists, trainers and yes, sometimes plastic surgeons. Their social media might make it seem like they just “wake up like this” or that daily pilates transformed their body, but often, it’s their financial privilege doing most of the heavy lifting.
Entourage
On top of that, the resources they have help make their lives a lot less stressful. They’ve got assistants, managers and accountants keeping their schedules in check so they can focus on their craft, whatever that may be. It’s not exactly a relatable setup for the rest of us juggling school, work and social lives.
Mental health impact
Constantly seeing these picture-perfect lives online can be exhausting, especially for younger audiences who are still shaping their sense of self. It’s hard not to compare yourself when every scroll reminds you of someone’s filtered highlight reel. Trends that come from these “perfect” professionals further force these audiences to think about and imitate influencer’s unreal lifestyles. That’s why it’s so important to shift who we look up to.
A healthier output of idolization should be towards normal members of society that have been involved in community and genuinely have made positive impacts to that community. Scientists, mathematicians, teachers and doctors are much more reliable members of society that make changes to everyday life using their learned skills and determination. Construction workers and first responders put themselves in real danger to keep the community safe. These people remind us that success does not have to be airbrushed to be meaningful.
So, the next time you see an advertisement with a famous face or a post showing an impossibly “perfect” body, remind yourself that what you’re seeing is a polished brand, not a person. Celebrate those that push to make an impact, not for fame and fortune, but for the good of society. Celebrate your own quirks, your effort and your individuality. It’s important to remember that in a world full of filters and followers, being genuinely yourself might just be the most refreshing thing of all.