If you’re reading this blog, chances are you are on other social media sites. Baby Boomers and others over 50 are much more tech-savvy than younger people think. We’re on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and even TikTok. But it can also do a number on our self-esteem.
Trevor Noah did a hilarious video called How Social Media Filters Are Destroying Our Mental Health. In many ways, it’s spot on, even for those of us who are over 50. People use filters to make themselves look better than they are. They can look skinnier, smooth out wrinkles, insert backgrounds, and even add lipstick.
Do you compare yourself with those over 50 you see online?
Because I write this blog, I follow mostly women over 50. Many of them are fashionistas. They post photos every day in gorgeous outfits, show off their massive shoe closets, have gorgeous gray hair, and make food in Architectural Digest-like kitchens.
For those of us who struggle to fit in the few clothes in our dinky closets, this can take a toll on our self-esteem.
Then there are the travelers
I love to travel but I’m a single older woman so I’m on a tight budget. When I see my counterparts jetting off to luxury destinations abroad it can be frustrating. To counter this, I travel around the city I live in because there are fascinating things to do there.
I’m happy for those who have made big achievements
Success is something to be celebrated. Some people believe successful people are evil and should be eliminated. I’m not in that camp. If are enjoying abundance, you have the right to go full out and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Fashion influencers over 50 are making a killing selling everything under the sun on social media. I was able to meet a bunch of them at an event and they are lovely people.
However, for those who are struggling, it’s tough to see luxury in front of your face every day.
It’s easy to say “Just be yourself”
Authenticity is certainly appealing. Just look at Lili Hayes on Instagram @lili_hayes. She is crude but is a total hoot. Her son films her in crazy outfits and she’s usually yelling at him. He even caught her on the toilet. Lily doesn’t care what people think of her and has over a half million followers. But not all of us are that uninhibited or daring.
Don’t let your deflated self-esteem get the best of you
If none of this affects you, good for you. You are comfortable in your skin. But if you want to crawl into a hole thinking you’re too fat, too wrinkly, impoverished, or limited in some way, remember you are YOU and no one else is like you. A lot of what we see on social media is a façade so don’t let them get to you. Kim Kardashian’s waist is not as tiny as it looks, and she probably has cellulite for days.
How does social media affect your self-esteem? Please leave a comment below.
Dear Rebecca, we can be whomever we want on-line. i’m the dutchess of kent 🙂
Love it Sue! As you should be!
Many people on social media show only what they want us to see, which I guess is what most of us do. Although some people share everything == and I mean everything. That also seems strange to me.
I agree, Laurie. Some things should be left unsaid. LOL
Sharing selfies on Instagram is one of those things that I’m not really comfortable with. I think it has more to do with being an introvert. I was on FB for over a year before I ever shared anything about myself. But somewhere along the line I realized that if I wanted anyone to read my blog then I had to be more “out there.” Something an introvert struggles with.
I have the same problem, Jennifer. Even though I’m an actress I’m shy and still feel weird putting my face all over my feed. I tend to post about events and places I’ve been and put myself in there once in a while. I want to do videos but really have to make the first move and just do it. However, the posts I do with myself usually get the most likes. LOL