Five ways social media makes you lack self-love

Scroll here, like there, tap that. That is the 21st century norm. If you don't own a phone, lucky you. Much as you may be bypassed by information in real-time, you are saved from the depression and countless sleepless nights social media is giving its users. The rise of social media use is making us go crazy over things we didn't even wish for initially and this is injuring our self-esteem. In the long run, it is making us dislike ourselves in the process.

How exactly social media can make you lack self-love?

Flashy lifestyles lead to comparison

When you are busy scrolling down through Instagram and Facebook pages, you can't help but notice the lifestyle being portrayed. Very few people show off their dirty linen. It is all about taking good shots of well-lit items. As you drool through your friend's car, new dress and picture perfect makeup, it all paints, in your mind that you are lacking in something. They have what you don't. Before you know it, you are almost purchasing something impulsively just so you can also post it on social media. This show-off game only makes you feel bad about yourself if you are unable to 'match up'.

Battling for likes can give false self-worth count

Imagine going out of your way to post that picture then you get two likes. One from yourself and the other from your mother. It may be hard to admit to ourselves but many would feel horrible that we don't have the world's approval. Putting your achievements out there on social circles is mostly about seeking validation from people. When you fail to get it, you sulk and start second-guessing yourself and your worth. It leads to a depression ditch where you tend to wonder why people don't like you. What you should know is that a ‘Like’ from others should not be your definition. Curating your own worth is what will keep your esteem high at all times.

Ads are meant to make you feel discontented

You may have noticed that the ads that keep popping up your screen seem to match your tastes. Marketers and cyberspace data are all about customizing their advertising strategies to your clicks. They will ensure that the pop ups are geared to leading you to buy the next item which you may want but do not need. This formula may be good for their business but sucks you off having a gratitude attitude. You will stop seeing the value of what you already have and hate it as you quench the thirst for what you don't need. What you should know is that the ads are well orchestrated for someone else's benefit.

False connections make someone lonelier

We all love to have a good social network. While at it, you may be thinking the more 'friends' you have on the virtual space, the better for you. On the contrary, there are few intimate connections that exist online, attributing to the fakeness portrayed. Consider the people who would actually come to visit you in hospital if you say you are depressed. From the thousands of followers, only few show up, with the rest only commenting 'get well soon'. The feeling of having a fake support system can make you doubt your influence and stop loving yourself. You may think you are unworthy of people's time which is untrue. Focusing on the relationships that matter is what should be at the top of your list.

Tutorials are foly

When you see that tutorial being done by the guru or brand ambassador, you are often compelled to try it. They make it look so easy right? Wrong. You will try and fail a thousand times which will make you feel like a failure. Much as they pass information, these tutorials are well curated, edited, have the perfect lighting and done by experts! You may be taking yourself through a guilt ride of how you can't seem to get it right without knowing they took many wrong shots before the perfect one they shared.

Depending on social media to curve your identity and love yourself will only flop. The virtual space is as it is. Virtual. Drop down to reality and figure out the actual things that matter, stop comparing yourself to others and affirm yourself without yearning for the world's approval.