I’ll be the first to admit that I am always scrolling through Instagram and refreshing Snapchat every 30 seconds. In some ways, we have all become addicted to social media. Addicted to seeing how many likes we got or how other people are living their life and what you’re missing out on. I know for me it’s become almost a safety net. I check it constantly, not even because I want to, but because I know it’s there. But at what point does the addiction become unhealthy? Here’s how you know when it’s become too intrusive in your daily life.
- You Judge Others, and Yourself, based on Instagram
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There is nothing wrong with connecting with people through social media, that’s what it is ultimately there for, isn’t it? But you don’t want the first thing you see about a person to be their Instagram profile. People around you should not be walking Instagram usernames. Get out and talk to them! You never know; you might meet your new best friend.
- You Live More for the Photo than the Moment
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Let’s be real, we all want our Instagram feed to look perfect. But you shouldn’t be more concerned with the picture than the actual event. Yeah, a picture will last, but if you spend all your time trying to get the “perfect” picture, will you even remember what you were there for?
- You’re Obsessed with Views
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We’re all guilty of checking to see how many people viewed that story of our night out with the girls. Does it really matter who saw it? No. But somehow, we think the more the better. You want to make sure as many people as possible know you’re living your best life, and you may feel like something didn’t even happen if it doesn’t get enough views. If that sounds like you, it’s time to step back.
- I Follow Who?
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Nobody is personally friends with everyone that follows them. You might have mutual friends, or you might know of them, but when your follower count start going up it’s less likely that you’ll know them all. It could be a sign to take a step back when you can’t seem to remember where you know them from. Do you really want a bunch of followers that you don’t even know?
Social media can be a lot of fun when it comes to expressing yourself or connecting with others. But it’s all to easy to get wrapped up in the digitial world and miss the one you’re actually living in. Don’t be afraid to step away from Instagram and stop relying on likes and views for validation! The life you’re building for yourself is worth appreciating, no matter who sees it.