We scroll. We double-tap. We post. Repeat. Social media has become second nature to our generation. But somewhere between the filters and the followers, something deeper is happening: our self-image is being distorted in real time and we’re not talking about it enough.
Apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat have turned everyday life into a highlight reel. “We only see the best angles, the perfect lighting, staged smiles & It’s easy to forget that behind every curated picture is a real person with insecurities and struggles.” said Klaire Lathan a fourth-year graphic design scholar. When you’re constantly comparing your real
life to someone else’s filtered version, it’s no wonder people—especially teens—start to feel like they’re not enough.
Studies have shown that excessive social media use is linked to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. And it’s not just the influencers we compare ourselves to—it’s our own classmates, friends, and even strangers. “We judge our worth by likes, comments, and views. And if a post doesn’t perform well? It feels personal, like we failed or something.” said Chloe Daniels, a senior psychology student.
Even more dangerous is the normalization of unrealistic beauty standards. Face-altering filters and editing apps have made it hard to tell what’s real and what’s not. We’re literally reshaping our faces for digital approval. And yet, we’re surprised when people, especially young girls, start to feel like their natural appearance isn’t good enough.
It’s time we shift the conversation. Social media isn’t inherently bad—but how we use it, and how much power we give it over our self-worth, definitely matters. We need to start promoting realness over perfection, and remind ourselves that we’re more than our online presence.
Confidence shouldn’t come from an app. It should come from within.