The Illusions of Social Media: Beyond the Filters and Likes

By: Precious Uti

Social media is a platform used by both the young and old in modern society. It is a space where information, messages, images, and videos are exchanged among friends, family members, and business partners. These platforms include WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), among others.

However, behind the glamorous images and videos shared online often lies a reality hidden from public view.

According to Prof. Egbule, a lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Delta State University, Abraka, “People propagate false images on social media for economic gain. This affects young people negatively because many of them imitate unrealistic lifestyles they see online which causes them to imbibe false ideas”. He also added that social media increases the pressure to appear successful.

“Social media can be beneficial and harmful depending on how it is used but one of the harms of social media is negative impact on academic progress. It has also changed the way people define success especially the young people. The things displayed on social media do not emphasize hard work but rather easy ways and quick riches”.

Corroborating Prof. Egbule’s comments, Mr. Abanum Ekeruche, a lecturer in the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at the same university, said, “ People create false images and information online to feel relevant. Many people are ignorant that some images and information portrayed online are fake which tend to affect their way of thinking.” He added that social media comes with a lot of pressure due to fake lifestyles and that when people are unaware of these realities, it can push them into emotional distress.

Speaking further, he noted that as a result of online comparisons, numerous individuals undervalue their accomplishments, forgetting that everyone’s timing differs. He also stated that, “In creating social media awareness, schools and parents should help young people understand the falsehood associated with social media.” He concluded that social media has changed perceptions of success, as people cling to whatever is shown online with little or no verification.

To understand the influence of social media on young people, Favour Palmer, a 100-level Mass Communication student, noted that she sometimes compares herself to what she sees on social media. She stressed that people often do not show their real selves online, with the aim of “feeling among.” She added that,

“I have posted something that looked better online than reality. Personally, social media has reduced my self esteem and confidence and makes me compare myself to people online but I adopted a mindset that I am better than those people”.

She further stated that people tend to look perfect online to enable them connect with different individuals because they feel neglected in reality due to their physical appearance.

“Filters and editing create unrealistic standards online while “likes” and “followers” also affect how people behave. Social media can also create insecurity and depression. While trying to be part of the crowd, they may gradually slip into depression without knowing it as they compare themselves to their peers online due to the pressure to live a “perfect” lifestyle”.

While Favour Palmer admitted to comparing her life to what she sees online, Sen. Comr. Amaka Confidence Telije, a 400-level Mass Communication student and Senator representing the Faculty of Communication, stated that social media does not make her feel pressured or insecure, although an average person may be influenced by what they see online.

She said that, “ I have not posted anything that does not reflect my real life on social media and I don’t personally know anyone that posts fake lifestyle online.”

She further added that people are often not real on social media and are mainly seeking attention through views and likes, thereby projecting fake lifestyles.

Similarly, Glory Eretan (that_glory), a 300-level Mass Communication student and content creator, stated that she has never compared her life to what she sees online. She noted that people do not always show their true selves on social media. She also stressed that,

“ If a person keeps comparing his or herself to others, their self-esteem can be affected. People often try to look perfect online because of conceived notions that everything online must be perfect, forgetting that people don’t post their failures online.”

She further added that filters and editing do not necessarily create unrealistic standards. According to her, people sometimes treat others differently based on their number of followers, while some become melancholic when their posts fail to attract a certain number of views.

“If a person is not content with what he has, he will fall into depression. Personally, I don’t feel pressured to live a perfect life online but I can’t say about other people,” she said.

She advised that, “ For young people not to be deceived by the fake images online , they should stay true to their values and understand that behind the camera, the people they aspire to be like are also facing struggles that never get posted online.”

Although the interviewees expressed different perspectives on social media, they all agreed that social media does not always reflect reality. Behind every curated lifestyle are realities hidden from public view. Recognizing this fact will enable individuals to live free from unhealthy comparisons and use social media more resourcefully.