How to Avoid the Social Media Comparison Trap
Social media constantly gives us benchmarks to compare ourselves to.
Your Instagram and TikTok feeds are filled with picture-perfect videos and photos of happy kids, clean houses, and expensive vacations. These platforms are also overwhelmed with weightless “success” stories and details of restrictive diets to try to ‘give’ you the body of the influencer posing on the screen.
It’s tough not to get caught up in these images! It’s true that a picture is worth a thousand words, so even before reading the caption or hearing what they’re saying, the image they are projecting is perfection. They are trying to sell you on the idea that if you buy this, do that, you can look just like them, have a life just like theirs.
Talk about a comparison that is only going to make you feel bad about yourself.
But this slim slice we see of others online—a highlight reel—is no yardstick for your own messy, beautiful life!
Here’s the solution to social media comparison:
- You’ve probably heard this before, but limiting your time on social media platforms can be a big help to regulating your mood and avoiding the comparison trap. If you’re finding this a challenge (social media is designed to be addictive), try and curate your feed. Stop following accounts that make you feel bad about yourself. Some apps even let you set words you don’t want coming up on your “For You” discovery page.
- It can be helpful to imagine what the day-to-day might look like for those you see on social media. They also have days where they don’t feel good in their body, or when their mental health is low. Acknowledging that they are human too makes it easier to relate to them instead of comparing.
- Try shifting your focus to gratitude and remind yourself of the things you have and like to do. For example, enjoying a delicious meal without photographing it means you stay present. Or a sweaty, red face after a workout can make you feel accomplished, even if it isn’t “picture perfect.”
Give these tips a try and see how your life feels more fulfilling!
đź’› Your peace awaits.
