Social media have run amok in today’s real world. What we see on social media is often not a direct reflection of how things truly are, in our personal lives or, in some cases, even in a business setting. Understanding how social media can affect your perception of yourself is essential if you’re determined to break free and begin living as a more authentic version of yourself.

Presenting a False Reality

Unfortunately, one of the biggest issues when it comes to social media is that it presents a false reality, regardless of the topic at hand and/or who is talking or giving a presentation. When social media are all that is shown about one’s life, it’s difficult to tell which content is organic and which is manufactured.

Social Media are Littered With Highlight Reels

Most social media today are littered with highlight reels, which is contributing to the altering of one’s perception. Very rarely do you see an individual who chooses to be as vulnerable and natural as possible on social media, which perpetuates the idea that perfection is the only way to present oneself online, especially when exposed in front of others.

False Presentation of One’s Lifestyle

Those who are hooked on using social media may begin to present false personas of who they really are, especially as they begin amassing thousands, if not millions, of followers. From joining in on the latest trends to showcasing a surrogacy they are doing for someone else, there are many different subcultures online that can alter how you view yourself, especially if you’re incapable of fulfilling your goals at the time. Keep in mind, that the entire surrogate process from beginning to end will likely require a total of 12 to 13 months, according to Elevate Baby.

Creating Unhealthy Dopamine Feedback Loops

A major issue when it comes to the use of social media is creating unhealthy dopamine feedback loops. Anytime you’re using social media to scroll through useless videos and content that add little to zero value to your life, you may be permanently rewriting your brain and its neuroplasticity. Learning to take breaks from social media while enjoying hobbies outside the internet is highly recommended at any age and stage in life.

Addictive (and Useless) Behaviors

Social media also have the potential to form addictive and useless behaviors in the body and brain. And it does not seem to be slowing down any time soon or in the near future. Unfortunately, studies demonstrate that approximately 4,000 surgical errors take place in the United States alone each year, according to Wilson & McQueen PLLC. Whether technologies, advancements in AI, or the rewiring of the brain are causing an uptick in surgical errors, this is highly concerning.

Unnecessary Drama and/or Conversations

Social media is known for drama. Getting involved in inane, useless, and meaningless drama or conversations can also impact the perception you have of yourself if you do not retain your input and/or reactions at all times.

Lack of Care for the Elderly

At least 70% of individuals will likely require assisted living care at some point or another in their lifetime. Unfortunately, the move towards the use of social media is leaving those who are older in the dark. The elderly are more ignored than ever, especially when it comes to social media, seeking fame, or even creating video content for engagement purposes.

Understanding how social media can affect your perception of yourself is crucial whether you use social media to remain in contact with loved ones or to expand your professional network. Understanding the ins and outs of social media platforms, how they impact our behaviors and the potential long-term implications of using them is now becoming even more important than ever before. The better we understand how social media alters our behaviors, the easier it will be for us to self-correct when new technologies and unwanted behaviors begin to manifest in our daily lives and routines.