stock image courtesy of Over
I have a strange relationship with the internet. It simultaneously elicits joy and angst and yet, I can't step away. With the introduction of Apple's new screen time function, I've learned I spend an average of 4hrs and 16 minutes on social media A DAY. A statistic that is quite frankly...embarrassing.
Lets throw it back for a sec...
My first taste of social media began back in 2008 - when I installed Twitter, shortly followed by Tumblr. Back then, both platforms were a bustling hub for teen fangirls, and a way for us early adopters to get a close and personal look into the lives of our favourite celebrities.
Making internet friends with like-minded superfans was the norm - Monday nights were reserved for group running commentaries following the latest episode of Glee, while the rest of the week was dedicated to deciphering Taylor Swift's latest album, gushing over how much we loved the Jonas Brothers and tweeting song lyrics from our favourite artists. For me, those early days of social media were a much needed escape from reality - I was dealing with my demons (which I've spoken about at length in previous posts), was a 10 on the introvert scale and was still incredibly young minded in comparison to my peers, who were all, at 14, exploring sex and alcohol - two areas which, back then, I had no interest in.
Next came Instagram, which I joined a year after it’s launch in 2010. A few years older and wiser from the early days of twitter, my 2011 Instagram profile documented my life as a fresh faced first year at university, and all the hilarity (and carnage) that came with it! It was during this time that I started my blog. A place that was once a diary of my personal style and wish lists, has now transformed into my little nook of the internet where I share, and often overshare, the authentic parts of my life - the trials and tribulations of a young millennial trying to navigate adulthood.
Fast forward to 2018 and social media is an entirely different place. We are now surrounded by perfectly curated feeds, the rise of the "influencer" and the idea that everyone's living their best life. What was once a realtime reflection of your day has turned into a pre-planned, carefully posed and expertly filtered snapshot of what probably was a relatively mundane moment in your week. Now don't get me wrong, I am 100% guilty of the above but I'm not ashamed or saying it's wrong. Creating an aesthetic, setting up shots and editing photo's is something I find enjoyable, but on the other hand, I do wonder if I'm part of the problem. I have no issues with admitting that my Instagram is deceptive, and a completely inaccurate portrayal of my life, but by buying into the Instagram facade, am I contributing to, albeit on a smaller scale, this false and unattainable reality that has been proven to have a negative effect on our mental health and self esteem?
But back to my blog....
Back in the day, writing was also used as an escape for me, and it still is! Being able to channel all my excess nervous energy into being creative has always helped calm my mind, and I guess, give me some sort of purpose. I always liked the idea that someone out there could relate to or even be helped by my writing, much like I was inspired and helped by some of my favourite bloggers. But with the blogosphere becoming ever more saturated, the standard of content becoming increasingly high and the fact that we are now defined by numbers and likes has, to be frank, dampened my spirits.
Even when I've been lucky enough to be invited along to events, or work with brands as an "influencer" (super appreciative of that btw) I've always felt a little bit like dead weight. I've often stood shoulder to shoulder with girls, some with 10 times my following, and wondered why on earth I was on the guest list! These events may look glamorous on the outside, and generally everyone I've met has been nothing but nice, but, as with everything in life, there's always hierarchy, and I never quite knew where I fit in.
Although I could chat for Scotland, I'm really not a confident person - fear and self-doubt always follow me around and with the ever changing world of social media, and my compulsive need to compare myself to others, I guess I lost faith in myself and my ability to create content people would want to engage with.
BUT, it's not all doom and gloom. I've been having a hard time at the moment in a lot of areas in my life, and by forcing myself to get out of bed, get dressed and log in to my blogger account, I've completely rediscovered my love for writing and how much it helps my mental health, even if it's just for an hour or two.
That being said, I want to develop a more positive attitude towards blogging and social media in general. I want to start writing for fun again and creating content I'm proud of - instead of producing what I think will get the most likes. My next chapter online will be about finding my place on the internet, and trying to establish a balance between who I am and who I want to be.
Whoever that is, there’s one thing for certain, behind every #OOTD is still a girl who trips over her own feet and is probably posing to carefully hide the remnants of her fajitas she dribbled down her at lunch...
fghfg
ReplyDeleteI admire this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so involved in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thank you so much. ispace1
ReplyDeleteThe capacity to rapidly grow a fanbase and devotee base, without the need of recruiting marketing shmucks like me. Why sit around on employing an expert when you can do everything yourself to no end? download twitter video
ReplyDeleteI just found this blog and have high hopes for it to continue. Keep up the great work, its hard to find good ones. I have added to my favorites. Thank You. acheter des abonnés français
ReplyDeleteSocial Media Marketing is the way toward picking up consideration and web traffic through the social media locales. https://neconnected.co.uk/top-3-tips-to-grow-your-facebook-business-page/
ReplyDeleteSMM panel For youtube subscriber
ReplyDeleteReachSMM panel is the Global latest social media marketing panel from Brazil to increase Facebook likes and followers, Instagram likes & followers, Youtube likes & subscribers.
On the off chance that 100% arrangement, acknowledgment and backing is preposterous, in any event an accomplice or mate should be available to bargain and ready to discover a work around to make both their professions and relationship work. signs that he loves you
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSocial media the board is a place that has pulled in an enormous measure of consideration and enrollment as of late. I see the fundamental explanations behind its notoriety as: visit this site right here
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. new rap albums 2020
ReplyDeleteWeddings are a joyous occasion that should be cherished by everyone involved but can also be quite difficult to plan. One of the most difficult aspects about planning a wedding is staying organized. make him miss you
ReplyDelete5 secret progressive mindsets to a good relationship. Good relationships do not just happen, they require mental preparation. dating advice for women
ReplyDelete5 secret progressive mindsets to a good relationship. Good relationships do not just happen, they require mental preparation. signs he loves you deeply
ReplyDeleteMen - Are you feeling overwhelmed by your partner's demands and her upsets?- find out why. This article describes a common relationship pattern where men have closed down their "ability to feel" due to their early experience of their mothers and fathers. The origin of this pattern is the man as a boy filling his father's role in an attempt meet his mother's needs at the cost of his own. Emotionally he was asked for more than he could give. This impacts his ability to connect to his feelings in later life which is a condition affecting many today. how to know if a guy likes you
ReplyDeleteIn the event that a worker remarks on any part of the organization's business they should plainly recognize themselves as a representative and incorporate a disclaimer. purchase email lists for marketing
ReplyDeleteWhether you have a small or large business, an effective ecommerce solution helps you to promote your products efficiently. It makes you able to attract new customers and deliver them a non-forgettable online shopping experience. Read the article to get more information. leather jacket for kids
ReplyDeleteI have a mission that I’m just now working on, and I have been at the look out for such information https://essaydevils.com/superior-essay-review
ReplyDeleteNow the what could be an interesting word - innovative. For a company to be successful it must have something that is different to all the other companies working in the same market. media pitch
ReplyDeleteSo, you're getting ready to purchase a new sex toy and on your journey throughout the numerous products available, you find that glass toys are everywhere! Usually the last thing you would think about shoving in or around your intimate areas would be glass. So, how did glass sex toys manage to make their way to extreme popularity when it comes to stimulating such areas?bækkenbunds kugler
ReplyDeleteYou can't keep away from it. Regardless of where you go it appears you hear terms like "fan page", "devotees", "tweet", "re-tweet", "blog" and additionally being utilized. With all the social media publicity, many are addressing what social media really is and how they can utilize it to push their business ahead. SMM Panel
ReplyDeleteWithout fail, your writing style is top professional; even your website also looks amazing thank you for posting. social pilot
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for this great post. Buy TikTok likes
ReplyDeleteI call this trick notice me. Is like your first day in school, no one knows you and the only way people will start interacting with you is by you taking the first step to say hi or introduce yourself to them. When you like other people photos, those people visit your profile and decide to follow and also like your photos. This is how you start growing your network on Instagram know more how to grow Insta followers
ReplyDeleteThink about this: you go over two organizations offering similar administrations; one has 250 Facebook likes, the other 43 - which one could you select? So whether or not you're an online retailer, a member advertiser, offer an assistance, for example, educational cost, or run a news website, social media can help you fabricate your business on the web. read this article
ReplyDeleteMe and my companions have completely delighted in this blog.
ReplyDelete자위기구
Wonderful article. Fascinating to read. I love to read such an excellent article. Thanks! It has made my task more and extra easy. Keep rocking. زيادة مشاهدات يوتيوب
ReplyDeleteA social media director doesn't work in a vacuum. They should be insider savvy with your other promoting exercises. save facebook video
ReplyDeleteI have been surfing online for more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. Personally, sagame
ReplyDeleteufa
ufabet
Not coexisting with individuals nearest to your accomplice can place a strain in your relationship. Madrid Escorts
ReplyDelete选择我们是您的慧眼如炬，而我们也同样不会让您失望！拥有数十年经营海外华人留学生论文代写专业的机构，旗下拥有英国、澳洲等众多国家的专业写手，他们都是我们精心筛选出来的精英中的精英，对于众多的论文格式，论文题目都有高深的写作造诣，在我们这里写作的客户满意回馈度已经达到了98.7%，超过行业标准！所以您还犹豫什么？即刻拿起手机扫码添加，马上享受高质量的学术论文代写或Assignment代写服务！ 作业代写,essay代写
ReplyDelete选择我们是您的慧眼如炬，而我们也同样不会让您失望！拥有数十年经营海外华人留学生论文代写专业的机构，旗下拥有英国、澳洲等众多国家的专业写手，他们都是我们精心筛选出来的精英中的精英，对于众多的论文格式，论文题目都有高深的写作造诣，在我们这里写作的客户满意回馈度已经达到了98.7%，超过行业标准！所以您还犹豫什么？即刻拿起手机扫码添加，马上享受高质量的学术论文代写或Assignment代写服务！ https://www.essaysbest.com/category/dai-xie-bo-ke/
ReplyDeleteFashion is an ever changing concept. Fashion lies icon style, fashion lies in presentation, fashion lies in the way you talk and also on the way you perceive things. Fashion changes from country to country. The concept is differently practiced in different places depending on the climate and choice of the general population. joker bomber jacket
ReplyDeletecorny movie changes right out of the 80's, and collection to the corniest love music shown to man. foto video nunta suceava
ReplyDeleteEach social media administrator ought to have sound information on publicizing. Be it Pay-Per-Click (PPC) publicizing or standard promoting, you should know the intricate details of each train and see how to enhance each design. Read More Here
ReplyDeleteFinally, hashtags on Facebook are going to be functional, just as they are on other social media sites like Instagram, Vine and Twitter. Now, users can click on the hashtag in a post, allowing a new feed to pop up that contains other user posts that contain the same hashtag. This function will also work for any posts that are uploaded to Facebook through another platform, like Instagram and Twitter. 토토사이트먹튀
ReplyDeleteExcellent blog post.like the way you describe the information on this blog.It shows how well you understand this topic..Regards => wm casino <=> คลิปโป๊ <=> คลิปxxx <=> คลิปโป๊ญี่ปุ่น <=> คลิปโป้ไทย <=> เรียนภาษาอังกฤษ <=> poker online
ReplyDeletewm casino
ReplyDeleterespect55
เรียนภาษาอังกฤษ
poker
xxx
xxx
xxx ไทย
บาคาร่า
ReplyDeleteคาสิโนออนไลน์
พวงหรีด
รับทำ seo
ufabet
ufa
เว็บบอล
ReplyDeleteเว็บแทงบอล
โควิด
poker online
ufabet
ufa
Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. Social media
ReplyDeleteThe important thing to remember about Instagram stories is they're not everlasting. have a peek at these guys
ReplyDeletekardinal stick
ReplyDeleteThat is really nice to hear. thank you for the update and good luck. Buy TikTok Views
ReplyDeleteWatch movies online sa-movie.com, watch new movies, series Netflix HD 4K, watch free movies on your mobile phone, Tablet, watch movies on the web. ดูหนังออนไลน์
ReplyDeleteSEE4K Watch movies, watch movies, free series, load without interruption, sharp images in HD FullHD 4k, all matters, all tastes, see anywhere, anytime, on mobile phones, tablets, computers. ดูหนังใหม่
GangManga read manga, read manga, read manga online for free, fast loading, clear images in HD quality, all titles, anywhere, anytime, on mobile, tablet, computer. อ่านการ์ตูน
Watch live football live24th, watch football online, link to watch live football, watch football for free. ผลบอลสดa
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSamudraBet Situs Judi Online Terbaik, Terpercaya dan Terbesar di Indonesia. Menyediakan permainan :
ReplyDeleteJudi bola terbaik
Judi slot online terpercaya
Poker online terbaru
Live casino online
Judi sabung ayam
On my website you'll see similar texts, write what you think. Wake Up Vibe
ReplyDeleteHere are some proven relationship counseling
ReplyDeleteideas to help make your relationship go deeper, happier, healthier and more rewarding.