THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ACCEPTANCE

© Jay Wright

Social media was meant to help people connect, but now it shapes how many see themselves every day. 

Getting likes, shares, and comments can feel like a reward. A post gets attention, and we feel seen. But when we start needing that attention to feel good, it becomes a problem. As time progresses, individuals may begin to associate their self-worth with the performance of their posts.

Take Instagram, for example. A person may post a selfie after applying filters, adjusting the lighting, and cropping out certain elements. They only show their best side. It’s the same on TikTok, where trends and challenges push people to perform and compete. Most of what we see isn’t real life, it’s a polished version. Now think about a teen scrolling through these posts. They see perfect outfits, vacations, glowing skin, and fancy meals. They compare this with their own typical day, which may involve activities such as completing homework and eating leftovers. This may lead individuals to perceive themselves as falling behind, even when that’s not the case.

FOMO, or fear of missing out, makes it worse. You might have had a calm weekend, but you scroll through Meta or TikTok and see friends at concerts, parties, or just hanging out. Suddenly your quiet time feels boring. Even if you're happy in the moment, you start to doubt yourself. This kind of pressure adds up. You might change how you dress, speak, or act just to fit in. People start posting for approval instead of expression. That’s when online life pulls us away from who we really are.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Social media isn’t the enemy. It’s a tool. It depends on how we use it. For example, you can follow pages that teach you skills, share honest stories, or highlight real struggles and wins. Use social media to connect, not compare. Comment on someone’s post because you care, not because you want attention back. Share a moment because it meant something, not because it might go viral. Real value comes from real life. Talking with friends, learning new things, being kind, setting goals, and showing up. That doesn’t always get likes, but it builds real confidence. 

When we stop chasing approval and start looking inward, we take back control. Then social media becomes just one small part of life, not the whole picture.