Social media has become a window to a different world and many argue that who we portray ourselves to be online is not who we actually are. But what social media, specifically a platform like Instagram, can do for someone is give them the confidence to slowly become the person they’ve been portraying online. That persona is usually how a person wants to see themselves or how they want others to see them. When it comes to instagram, this whole persona is portrayed solely through photos and just the act of taking photos of yourself can be a huge step towards more self confidence.
Social media is a tool for breaking out of your shell at a pace and in a way that you have complete control over. So while some can look at taking pictures as narcissistic and posting for likes as simply fishing for compliments, there is also the side of the person posting. Likes can be motivating, they can drive you to come out of your shell even further, they can help you get creative, and begin to build your persona on the outside of the screen, not just within it. As someone who never liked getting their picture taken, I can attest to social media helping me get over the fear of being in front of the lens, since I was someone so comfortable being behind it. Instagram gives us the power to show our personalities, our aesthetics, our passions and the things that make us happy. If instagram can get someone to have the confidence to show off the best person they can be, then it has done a good job by that person.
You can always take a negative look at social media. But if it makes you or other people happy, why not celebrate the things that brighten someone’s day. Self confidence is something we all strive for, happiness is always being pursued! And we have the right to pursue it. Instagram is not the only thing that should make someone happy, nor should it be the sole reason people do things, but it does get people out, it makes people dress up, gives people a platform for sharing in a positive way and allows others to support each other. If there is a good thing that can be said about instagram and one thing you can take from this article, it is that sharing pictures of yourself and the things you love with people can bring an extra smile to your face, just with that little notification on your lock screen. And who doesn’t like to smile?
LKG
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