Everyone seems rich on social media; everyone seems happy on the networks. However, in real life, the reality is different. Maybe worse… Why do some people sell the illusion on social networks? Why do some individuals only display their successes on the web? No answer is less certain!
To be honest, I enjoy social media for several reasons. Yes, for several reasons. They allow me to stay in touch with my loved ones, no matter the distance. They offer the opportunity to build communities and enjoy entertainment such as videos and games, while sharing experiences with a wide and varied audience. But not ! They constitute a source of information. However, despite my affection for social media, I remain intrigued by the way in which it can sometimes help convey an illusion.
Social networks as showcases of success
Nowadays, social networks seem like a showcase of success. Basically, some users share their successes selectively with a certain amount of filtering. Indeed, examples of these forms “excessive self-promotion” or of “these self-glorifications” are legion within our communities. I remember a former classmate who never missed the opportunity to highlight his… successes or even his so-called luxurious life between 2020 and 2022. Whole days posting photos in restaurants, photos behind the steering wheel of a car, accompanied by quotes such as “life better”.
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“All that for that really!? »
At the time, with less discernment and under the influence of age, we thought that our friend had succeeded in life. But a few years later, we realized that it was all just wind. Clothes and vehicles were just fantasies. In reality he managed to take photos in the vehicle of a cousin, a nephew, an aunt, etc., or borrowed clothes from X, Y, to take a few photos before returning them to their owners . As we say back home in Kinshasa: “All that for that really!? “.
The example above is not an isolated case. How many so-called influencers post these kinds of perlimpinpin powder. Moreover, we will remember the famous story of “Dubai Porta Potty”, where some African influencers were involved in questionable sexual practices in exchange for money. However, several Internet users considered them as sources of inspiration because of their motivating quotes, their… lessons or their photos highlighting a luxurious lifestyle on social networks, accompanied by inspiring words or praise on the importance of work. “When you become dependent popularity (of social networks), we risk succumbing to the illusion of a power that we do not really possess”always reminds him Yannick Booksocial media marketing consultant.
Social networks, the real and the unreal
In our era dominated by the revolution in information and communication technologies, social networks are quite simply a space where the real and the unreal mix. This wacky mix often creates a surprised perception of the world around us. But why this? Before giving my opinion, it is important to clarify: My observations are not gospel. They can therefore be called into question.
Looking closely, I see that users have control over what they share on their social media pages. Generally, everyone creates an often idealized representation of their life, deliberately obscuring the less flattering aspects of their reality or their life. As a social media user, do I share everything on my page? No, I also choose what I like, just like in real life, but with a dose of moderation and discretion, due to my relatively introverted character.
Compare yourself to others at all costs!
In my opinion, another important factor that explains this coexistence of the real and the unreal on social networks is the pronounced penchant for silent comparison that we nourish as humans. The famous quote from the Swiss philosopher Alexandre Jollien, “What increases suffering, and creates lack, is comparison” can make sense when we observe the digital pressure that certain users put on themselves in the face of the successes and achievements of other users. A feeling that could create comparison and dissatisfaction with their own lives, thus amplifying the dissonance between the real and the unreal.
Who am I to judge our lives?
Well, I don’t want to be long and harsh all the same. I don’t know what challenges you face on a daily basis, but I admit that the lives we lead are already stressful and full of frustrations enough to allow failures to overwhelm us. It is, at times, natural to highlight our successes, however modest they may be. But how far can we go to idealize reality? How do you use social media? What is your perception of social networks? What are the advantages and disadvantages of social networks? These questions conclude our blog. It’s up to everyone to answer these questions!
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