Every day, we open social media and dive into a world that shows us the best parts of others' lives—perfect bodies, ideal relationships, luxury vacations, achievements, happiness, and unique moments. Everything we want... but not necessarily everything that’s real.
Our mind responds automatically with thoughts like: That looks beautiful. I want that. That would make me happy.But it’s all an illusion. These are selected snapshots that give us the feeling we’re seeing someone’s reality—when in fact, we’re only seeing carefully chosen fragments.
What Remains Hidden?
Behind those perfect stories lies the unseen reality:
- How that person truly feels inside
- What their relationships are like, and whether they are genuinely happy
- What their daily life looks like off camera
- What fears, stress, or problems they are facing
Instead of this, we’re shown a curated presentation of life. And without even realizing it, we start comparing our own life to that ideal. We all have days when we feel low, tired, uncertain. And suddenly, the question pops up: Why am I not living like that?
Why Do We Feel the Need to Share Only the Best?
- Need for validation - Likes and comments trigger dopamine and give us a sense of recognition
- Building identity - “Look at the life I’m living”
- Fear of being overlooked – The need to be visible and not disappear in the crowd
- Compensating for inner insecurities – The more we share, the more we seek confirmation of our worth
Social media isn’t just harmless entertainment—it has a real impact on our mental health, self-esteem, and relationships
The Dark Side of Social Media
- Increased anxiety and depression
Constant comparison with others’ “perfect” lives leads to feelings of inadequacy. A study published in the journal Czech and Slovak Psychiatry. found that excessive social media use is linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression among youth.(Kolouch, Kerner & Hrdlička, 2023)) - Lower self-esteem
Filters, edited photos, and curated moments create unrealistic standards of beauty and success. A study from Masaryk University found that excessive social media use negatively affects teenage girls’ self-image.(Štěpanovská, 2018)) - Addiction to validation
Likes and notifications trigger dopamine, leading to compulsive behavior and emotional instability. The platform Internet Safety platform points out that heavy social media use correlates with emotional instability and risk of depression.(Internetem Bezpečně, 2020)) - Strained interpersonal relationships
The virtual world sometimes replaces real communication and weakens deeper connection. A study published on Medium.cz naznačuje, že častí uživatelé sociálních sítí mohou nevědomky zanedbávat své partnery, což může vést ke konfliktům a případně i k rozchodu. (Šupíková, 2024)
The Bright Side of Social Media
✅ Access to information – Endless learning opportunities, exploring new topics and expanding horizons
✅ Connecting with others – Networking and new opportunities in both personal and professional life
✅ Content creation and sharing - A chance to express yourself, inspire others, and share meaningful ideas
✅ Community building – Bringing people together with shared interests and values, mutual support, and shared experiences
How to Protect Yourself from the Distorted Reality of Social Media?
Be aware that you’re seeing only curated content Social media is like a movie—we only see the highlights.
Don’t compare your inner life with others’ outward image Everyone has struggles and insecurities. But you won’t see that on Instagram.
Choose who you follow. If certain content constantly makes you feel less than, it’s time to reconsider what social media is bringing into your life.
Spend more time in the real world. Real experiences, conversations, touch, and laughter can’t be digitally reproduced—they’re authentic only in real life.
Learn critical thinking. Understand how algorithms work, how they shape the content we see, and how they influence our awareness.
Social media is a powerful tool. The question is whether we let it control us - or we learn to control it. Let’s learn to use it in ways that serve us.
The key is self-reflection: Where are we directing our time and attention? If we realize we’re spending too much time on social media, it’s time to pause and ask ourselves: What does this really mean for me?
Sources:
- Kolouch, D., Kerner, J., & Hrdlička, M. (2023). Social Media and Their Impact on Youth Mental Healt. Czech and Slovak Psychiatry..
- Štěpanovská, P. (2018). The Influence of Social Media on Teenage Girls’ Self-Image. Masaryk University..
- Internetem Bezpečně. (2020). Social Media and Mental Health..
- Šupíková, Z. (2024). The Effects of Social Media on Relationships. Medium.cz.