Have you ever scrolled through Instagram, TikTok or Snapchat and thought, “I wish I looked like that” or “their life is so much better than mine”? If so, you’re not alone. Social media can be fun and entertaining, but it also has a sneaky side: it can lead us into the trap of comparing ourselves to others.
The Highlight Reel Trap
Social media is like a highlight reel. People usually post their best moments — perfect selfies, amazing vacations, achievements, and fun times with friends. But what you don’t see are the behind-the-scenes struggles, bad days, and self-doubt they also face.
Comparing your everyday life to someone else’s best moments can leave you feeling like you’re not good enough.
Comparison Affects Your Self-esteem
When we constantly compare ourselves to others online, it can:
Make us feel insecure about our appearance, popularity, or abilities;
Lower our confidence and self-worth;
Create anxiety about keeping up with trends or getting enough likes;
Make us forget to appreciate our real, offline lives.
You might start asking yourself, “Why don’t I look like that?” or “Why isn’t my life that exciting?” — when in reality, everyone has ups and downs, whether they post about them or not.
Protecting Your Self-Esteem Online
You deserve to feel confident and good about who you are — both online and offline. Here’s how to keep social media from messing with your self-esteem:
Limit your scroll time: Take breaks from social media to reconnect with your real life and interests.
Follow accounts that inspire, not drain you: If certain pages make you feel less than, it’s okay to unfollow or mute them.
Talk about it: If you’re feeling low because of what you’re seeing online, open up to a friend, family member, or counsellor.
Celebrate your uniqueness: You don’t have to look or live like anyone else to be valuable. What makes you different is what makes you ‘you’.
Do a “comparison detox”: Spend a day offline and notice how your mood and self-image change. You might be surprised!
Remember: your worth is not measured by followers, likes, or filtered photos. You are enough just as you are.
Social media is a tool — use it wisely and don’t let it decide how you feel about yourself.
