People are driven to look at the social media of people they know (and don’t know) to “keep up.” It seems that not seeing social networks is a problem of social interaction, when in reality it is the opposite. Social networks have also exacerbated social envy and can damage friendship between people. So how can you survive the era of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter with your self-esteem intact?

Everything starts out fine until you look at the screen

Imagine it is Monday morning. You have started the morning high, thinking about the weekend you just spent with your family . It wasn’t like you did something spectacular, but you had special moments with your partner and children that reminded you of how good life is. Then you get on Facebook and the first post you see is your neighbor’s new kitchen or how your friend spent an incredible weekend in an idyllic place. Another acquaintance shows his new car … and you stare at the screen with envy running through your veins.

Suddenly it seems that life is difficult, that is, difficult for you, since everyone else has something to celebrate. Who wants quality time at home when you could be living an idyllic vacation? What looked gorgeous just moments ago has now taken on a shoddy, second-hand stain.

Nobody has a better life. They have a different life

Before you start organizing your own victim party, think that no one has a better life than yours, they are just different lives . In addition, what they show on their networks will always be perfect images, of a supposed perfect life, but they will not show the lowest moments because nobody wants to see that, much less, show it to the world.

If all the members of your neighborhood were invited to put their problems in a bag and place them in the center of a street, where they would be free to exchange them for anyone else’s, you would be more than likely to take back your own challenges … Because People’s problems tend to look a lot alike, even if they don’t talk about it.

Everyone has problems

All people have problems to deal with. If you wake up without problems, you are dead. At least you have the tools to face your own challenges … and if you don’t have them, you will have to look for them. It’s fair, but it’s hard to avoid that pang of jealousy when you see how many followers your competitors are gaining while your social media presence languishes. 

Don’t compare your life with others; rather, compare your daily activities with your own dreams and priorities. When you compare yourself, you devalue your efforts and scatter your energy in pursuit of something that is not in accordance with what you really want.

Every time you see someone who has something that you really want, look deep down and take note of what you already have. It is worth remembering that there is a negative side to everything … but there is also a positive … Therefore, no matter how exciting your friend’s vacation may seem, at some point their pleasure will be diluted by some element of pain.

Instead of using social media as a narcissistic tool, which no one appreciates, consider how you can serve your community by sharing information or inspiration that is truly meaningful … Instead of sharing images that arouse the envy of others, just for your own sake emotional benefit. It’s true that we all enjoy recognition, and there’s nothing wrong with being satisfied when your posts get a thumbs up. But, do not consider the “likes” as an endorsement of yourself. 

Rather than using social media as a narcissistic tool, which no one appreciates, consider how you can serve your community by sharing information or inspiration that is truly meaningful. In this way, you’re not just providing a boost that everyone will enjoy; you can also build a personal brand.

Think about the most powerful people in the world, the ones who really make a difference, and ask yourself: do they care how many ‘ likes ‘ they have received on a post?