Social media is a fun way to stay up to date and pass time. However, it is important to remember that what you see on these sites does not define, nor shape you in any way, in fact, it is important to not see your value from social media. Social media develops insecurities based on self fulfilling prophecies, misconceptions of life, and clouded judgement towards what is valuable.

Self fulfilling prophecies are roles in which society places on groups of people. Its almost like a stereotype but instead, self fulfilling prophecies perpetuates declination of variety, creativity, and personality. Social media plays a huge role in creating and sustaining self fulfilling prophecies due to the high demand for attention and fame. Social media highlights those who are doing well in life and gives the impression that the only way to be happy and seemingly solve all your problems is to copy the examples they give you. When in actuality, the best thing for success is to explore life, and not pages on instagram. Learn yourself and learn what is best for you, and then find an example that you can relate to. Self fulfilling prophecies begin as social constructs but they thrive because many succumb to the idea that what they are seeing is what is best for them.

Self fulfilling prophecies lead to misconceptions, or false ideas, of real life experiences. Social media deceives people because they give the highlights and the glamour but fail to show the hard work or even luck behind a lot of these stories. The idea that success is easy becomes prevalent and it makes those on their way to success feel as if they are not doing things correctly. By comparing yourself to others who have already received their blessing devalues and belittles your own hard work and your individuality in respects to your path to success. Everyone’s story is different, but social media has a way of making people think they have to be the same.

Social media can also deceive your values in relation to what is valuable. Things like retweets and likes can drive many people to do strange things. Social media and “clout” give people fuel to go above and beyond for attention in hopes that that will be their way to fame. Although social media can help promote your brand, which is yourself, it can also help cloud your judgment on what matters, especially when you have so many people giving their irrelevant opinions. Allowing input on your own growth can be detrimental to your mentality towards what is truly valued and what isn’t.

It is a good idea to take a social media hiatuses every now and then, just so that you don’t get caught up in the bright lights of all the updates and trends. Take time to let your own light shine and to be your best self. Don’t allow social media to shape you, and definitely don’t allow your value to be affected by it.