I know it’s hard to imagine, but once upon a time we lived in a world without social media. With no Pinterest to tell us how to decorate our homes or plan our weddings, or Facebook to show us all the latest in our friends/families lives (along with some crazy “news” stories) and Twitter to give us minute-by-minute, or even second-by-second updates. And most of all, there was no Instagram to tell us — effectively — how to live our lives in a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing way.
By gosh, how did we previously survive?! Being a creative person by nature of course, I’m drawn into all of these platforms for various reasons and some more than others. But lately I’ve begun to wonder. Do I like something because I like it? Or because I’ve seen it enough times on Instagram/Pinterest that I’ve been conditioned to like it?
My style has noticeably shifted over the years, leaning toward a California-modern-meets-boho vibe (is that a thing? Not sure but I’ll go with it! loll) If you’d look at the things I liked five years ago and what I like now, they’d be remarkably different. I’d like to think this shift has happened due to the natural evolution of me getting older and refining my tastes. But has my style been influenced by the content I consume across social channels and the Internet? Absolutely. I think anytime you look for inspiration, be it online or real life, it will make an impact and reflect in your personal tastes. These days, I gravitate toward the clean, white and more simple aesthetic. I’ve made purchases from products I’ve seen on Instagram or on Pinterest. I’m in no way denying the effects this world of social media has had on my life.
But is that a bad thing?
I think there’s also a vast difference between social media influencing your home decorating or fashion choices and it starting to influence in how you live your life. Sure, the comparisons do creep up. Why am I not as (successful/wealthy/traveled, whatever emotion you may be feeling here) as so and so? But by and large, I’m wise enough to know that social media is ONLY the highlight reel. No one shows the real real stuff because we are all living the real stuff.
Do you want a picture of a toddler in the midst of a tantrum or would you rather see a sweet, smiling kiddo. Would you rather see a well-designed, sparking clean home or a bin full of laundry? I like realness as much as anybody. Hell, my authenticity is something I pride myself on. But even I recognize that social media and specifically Instagram should be more of an inspirational place rather than a place to go to for the mundane tasks of day-to-day life. (Then again I guess that’s what Instagram Stories are for ha! So it’s all about balance I suppose.)
For me personally, opening myself up and creating a community on Instagram was a way to channel my creative nature. I’m so inspired by the beautiful images (and heartfelt and hilarious captions!) that I see on there. I see so many creators sharing what they love, what they do, what they see. It’s really amazing to have so much at your fingertips. Yes, social media can be a toxic place, if you allow it to be. But if you keep perspective and recognize that as lovely as it is, nothing should take away from your real life, then you can enjoy it for what it is. A beautiful escape full of inspiration. A place to connect with a community and a captivating glimpse into a parallel universe. Even for a minute.
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