Social media, what a concept. I am the first to tell you that social media is one of the most toxic aspects of our world today. But I will also be the first to tell you that I am always on my social media.

Facebook is pretty much only used for parents to brag about their kids, and for kids to post photos so their older relatives don’t take over Instagram. Twitter is used to post the stupid stuff you think about when laying around with friends at 3 am. Snapchat is used to portray that you are friends with someone, which is only shown through streaks. Tinder, Bumble, and all dating apps are just a different breed. But Instagram is used to post your “highlight reel” as I like to call it.

Instagram is where you post the best pictures you could possibly take of yourself, edited of course. Now, don’t get me wrong, we all do it. I mean, if you wouldn’t admit that, you are lying. End of story.

But the thing is, Instagram isn’t anyone’s true self. We all look perfect and the happiest we have ever been. Although, I will admit that isn’t always the case. We may have had the shittiest day but post a selfie just to get a ton of likes and people commenting how great you look to make you feel better. 

A few years ago, I learned the number of likes you get does not matter… at all. I find myself scrolling and double clicking, just so I am able to get through my feed. I do not even focus on the photo that is right in front of me. Let alone taking the time to read the caption the person spent 3 hours perfecting and getting double checked by at least 4 friends. I thought to myself, if I can’t even take more than .5 seconds to look at someone’s picture and actually appreciate it, why should I care if people do the exact same for me?

Instagram is comprised of highlight reels. It portrays your life as the best one you could possibly be living, while that’s not always the case. You only show yourself as someone who is happy, thriving, and living your best life. But that shouldn’t be the standard for posting. You should post what you like, whether or not you look like a model. It should only matter if you are truly enjoying your time with the people around you and what you are doing.

So, to the girl who only smiles for the gram, I hope you begin to learn to love life. Don’t love life just for the photo op, love it because you are truly content with where you are. Smile when there is not always a camera in your face. Smile when you laugh, smile when you are surrounded by your favorite people, and find reasons to smile through the pain.