Does Facebook ever make you feel low? Does Instagram -- with all those pictures of your #happy friends having the supposed time of their lives – ever make you feel lousy about your own life?
A recent study at the University of Pittsburgh is linking excessive social media use (that is, over one hour) with feelings of isolation in adults ages 19 to 32.
A lot of it has to do with social comparison. In other words, it sure looks like the world is having a blast on Snapchat… while you’re at home mainlining Cheetos.
It also has to do with the literal filter through which a lot of us present ourselves to the word.
We’re here to tell you: Perception is not always reality. Most of us are eating Cheetos.
Or take, for instance, all those smoochy couples posting lovey-dovey pictures? Is EVERYONE getting engaged?
Nope. Here’s a sobering reality check: Tampa Bay actually has one of the highest divorce rates in the country. Where are THOSE pictures?
“I think a lot of people exaggerate and lie,” says social-media user Andres Betancourt, who is trying to curb his habit. “When you look at Facebook and everybody’s lives, it’s not exactly what’s happening.”
That’s for sure. After all, someone has to be having a bad day. After all, according to a 2016 well-being study by Gallup-Healthways, Tampa Bay ranked 115th in the country.
Do you believe everything you see?
“Absolutely not,” says Chase Desmond, who keeps his social media “follows” to close friends and his beloved Bucs. He knows a lot of people are puffing up the truth.
“If it makes them feel better, I guess that’s why they do it.”
Remember: No one’s perfect…not even on Facebook.
