In today’s world, social media is a huge part of everyday life, especially for high school students. Whether it’s Snapchat, TikTok, or Instagram, everyone seems to be sharing only the cute and happy moments of their lives. But what most people don’t show are the bad things, insecurities, or struggles that people face. This creates a false advertisement of what “normal” really looks like and can make teens feel like they aren’t good enough compared to others they see on social media.
Many students admit that scrolling through social media can make them feel anxious or left out. It’s easy to forget that most of what people post is fake or stage. That “perfect” photo probably took ten tries, and that influencer’s “dream life” might be full of stress but people don’t know that because they don’t show it. Studies have shown that constant comparison online can lead to lower self-esteem and depression among high school students. What was once meant to connect people can sometimes end up making them feel more insecure.
However, social media doesn’t have to be a negative thing. When used kindly and smart, it can be a great way to share creativity, express yourself, and stay in touch with friends. The key is remembering that no one’s life is perfect, no matter how it looks online. By being real students can help make social media a more positive and honest place. After all, reality is way more powerful than perfection.
