In the isolation of modern times we often cling to the world through the digital images in our social feed. Grasping for connections in food selfies and/or make-up tutorials we navigate the human experience online through “likes” and “following” trends. Hoping if -for just an instant- it will give us a glimpse of relevancy in a world moving so fast it’s hard not to feel our existence is but an inconsequential blip. Subsequently, we reduce ourselves to mere holograms of our inner lives.
We shed all but perfection in 280 characters or less, and release it to the universe in hopes for much needed validation: I am seen. I am heard. You think of me, or what I do and say matters. Through the obligatory likes and smiling emojis, we have found an unending resource of affirmation. However, the superficial veil we present may damage more than our authenticity-it jeopardizes our self-love, and the more we lean to external feedback for validation the less we rely on ourselves for self-acceptance.
We all seek approval. It’s a fundamental need: to gain the acceptance of the tribe. However, in our polarized and trolling world to post anything can often feel like leading a lamb to slaughter. There are two approaches to this scenario. First, masterfully curate the image of ourselves we put out to the world, erasing our faults, shortcomings, and -God forbid- cellulite.
Hoping against all odds that our flawless version will make the cut. Second, we can carefully prune our orb of influences to include only people who look, think, and feel the same way we do- to minimalize negative critiques. Both solutions leave us wanting.