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Delhi North | Life > Experiences

The Social Media Paradox: Youth and Their Lifestyle

Geshna Khattar Student Contributor, University of Delhi - North Campus
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Delhi North chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Picture this: a world where you can instantly connect with friends, share your life, and see what everyone else is up to. Sounds pretty cool, right? Well, one such world is social media. However, there’s a twist. Social media, while fun and exciting, tends to make youngsters feel like they’re in a rush to grow up, and that can be a problem. Today’s generation relies on social media to explore new opportunities. But paradoxically, it is the same generation grappling with the pressure of transforming the illusion of perfection into a tangible reality. Even though social media offers unprecedented connectivity and opportunities, it has the power to exert pressure on individuals to pace up the ladder of success at an unprecendented rate. This, in turn, can lead to feelings of stress and even the early onset of a midlife crisis. The term ‘Midlife Crisis’ is predominantly associated with individuals in their late 40s and is a phase of self-doubt, existential questioning, and a quest for renewed purpose. Scrolling through social media can be a delightful way to discover electrifying ideas, connect with friends, and find inspiration from across the globe. However, the hyper-connected lifestyle being followed in contemporary times has often fuels feelings of inadequacy and discontent. This may spike the chances of a person comparing their life to the meticulously curated images of an idyllic lifestyle on social media platforms. 

The onset of college life brings forth a diverse range of experiences for a young student. Oftentimes, this along with the growing praxis of following idealistic social media standards may become gruesome for them. Young individuals are constantly exposed to curated profiles of ‘perfect’ lifestyles- whether it’s extravagant travel photos, flawless selfies, or stories of professional success, these images can be misleading if taken at face value. You can try having it all but just like the character of Naina from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani said no matter how hard you try to have it all, you will have to compromise on something or the other. So, it’s better to be content in the moment. However, this is easier said than done. As youngsters, we often feel there is a ticking clock set to our progress- be it in our careers, relationships, or professional milestones- creating a utopia of ‘needing to have it all sorted’. This can create an unrealistic sense of urgency, leading to anxiety and stress. The constant need for validation through social media has somewhat compromised our genuine aspirations because we seek instant gratification. This makes it easy to forget our personal growth, effort, and dedication. The frequent exposure to the exciting and envy-inducing adventures of others can lead to dissatisfaction and discontentment, often feeding into what is now popularly known as FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). But, I believe everyone grows at their own pace and has a journey unique to them. Here are a few practices that I’ve tried to incorporate in my lifestyle to keep myself cognizant of the realities. Kindly note that these may or may not work for you as there’s no one size that fits everyone. Curating your combination of solution works the best!

  1. Comparing Apples to Oranges: The con of comparing oneself to others on social media lies in the fact that these images and stories are often far from reality. What’s posted online is only a fraction of a person’s life, at times devoid of the struggles and challenges that they face. 
  2. Embracing Individual Paces: Young people must understand that everyone has their unique journey. Not all roads are paved with gold, and not all lives follow the same trajectory. There is no pre-determined age for reaching personal milestones. Accepting that it’s okay to grow and develop at one’s own pace is crucial.
  3. Detoxing from Social Media: Taking regular breaks from social media can be liberating. Virtual detoxes allow me to reevaluate my priorities, regain a sense of self, and reconnect with my aspirations without external influences.
  1. A Supportive Community: We should seek out and connect with people who support our personal growth and development. Genuine friendships and mentors can provide valuable guidance and reassurance that we are on the right path, regardless of what the online world might portray.

In today’s fast lifestyle, it’s easy to get grappled by the showcases of the virtual world. Hence, as a young student, I believe, it’s necessary to be cautious of what we are consuming online and not take things at face value. We need to remember that there is no universal standard for growth, and we must embrace our unique journeys, free from the pressure of online comparison.

Geshna Khattar

Delhi North '27

Geshna Khattar is a Psychology student at Delhi University and the President of the Centre for Happiness at Daulat Ram College, where she leads initiatives focused on student well-being. She’s also part of the editorial team at Her Campus DU North, contributing thoughtful and creative content. A national-level fencer with multiple medals to her name, Geshna balances academics and athletics with equal passion. She’s a published poet, a visual artist, and a music lover, known for her creativity, leadership, and love for her furry friend đŸŸ.