Do you wake up in the morning and within 15 minutes scroll through social media on your phone? I do. I’m a blogger and I need to catch up with new posts and make sure that I am reaching out to my readers. My goal is always to write and post honestly. The problem is, not many people post with this same intent. It is the Social Media Scam.
The Scam
If someone called your phone and told you that you could have the perfect marriage, perfect child, perfect trip and perfect life just by posting pictures online would you think it was a scam? I would because all of those things don’t exist and require work. We are living in an era that grades us by how many likes and followers we have. Admit it, doesn’t it make you feel good when you log on and see a bunch of likes or hearts on a photo you just posted it?
I read this really great article from Northrup Grumman about the effects of social media on the brain (https://bit.ly/2VLQjYr). My favorite quote is that “comparison is the thief of joy.” Half the time we are looking at people’s “lives” that are not real. We are comparing ourselves to something that doesn’t truly exist. I’m going to let you all in on a little secret, everyone’s form of joy is different.
My Promise
I am not an expert in finding joy or telling you how to live your life. It isn’t that simple and I’m definitely not certified to give professional advice. What I can give you is my feedback as a content creator. I create content about things I love and for people I want to help/inspire. My vow is to only promote my own thoughts and what I believe. I want you to see the good and the bad. If I’m on an amazing trip that I think you may like, I’m going to share it. If I’m going through a tough mental state, I’m going to share it. You all deserve to see the good and the bad because that represents true life.
What You Can Do About It
Stop following people who promote an unattainable lifestyle. These are the type of people who are too focused on image and getting a paycheck instead of being real with their followers. Some of my favorite bloggers post wonderful Instagram stories that highlight the ups and downs of their lives. Those are the people to follow. The struggles may not be #instalove but they are #authentic. I will leave a list below of some of my favorite bloggers and their websites for you to take a look at.
You are special. Make yourself an environment that promotes it!
The Cool Kids
Five for the Road (Family & Travel) https://www.fivefortheroad.com/
Contradiction of Sorts (Travel, Lifestyle and Advocacy) https://www.contradictionofsorts.com/
Diary of a Curvy Girl (Fashion) https://www.thediaryofacurvygirl.com/
Smart Mouse Travel (Family Travel & Disney) https://smartmousetravel.com/
2 Travel Dads (Family & Travel) https://2traveldads.com/
Pick Up Limes (Nutrition & Recipes) https://www.pickuplimes.com/
Have Diapers will Travel (Family Travel) https://havediaperswilltravel.com/
Sarah in the Suburbs (Lifestyle & Travel) https://www.sarahinthesuburbs.com/
Emille Enchanted (Family, Travel & Lifestyle) https://emilleenchanted.com/
Amber Likes (Family & Travel) http://www.amberlikes.com/
Love Dwells Here (Family Travel) https://lovedwellshere.com/
The Rambling Ramnaths (Family Travel) https://www.theramblingramnaths.com/
The Cherry Blossom Blog (Product Reviews) https://www.cherryblossomstheblog.com/
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