Sometimes on social media, I've been noticing people who find themselves comparing themselves to others whenever it comes to body images (especially for models, athletic and bodybuilders), relationships, getting a new job or house, going on holiday, finding a shiny Pikachu with perfect IVs or getting Legendary Sigurd with ideal IVs on Fire Emblem Heroes.
I suppose I get that it's natural for others to get jealous at times but that's something that I've never find myself doing on the internet. Maybe it's because it's something that doesn't occur to me with my autism but I find that I am happy for their success, liking their posts and sometimes sending them my support. I am no expert but having to become more aware of people comparing themselves on social media, I admit that I find it rather sad and toxic just because of other people's success that they happen to share online (unless one happens to do it in a show off or bragging kind of way). My hottest take on this is that comparison on social media is self conflicted (especially if you take it on out them).
In my opinion, I say that if people spend less time comparing themselves to others and focus on what's going on with the person's lives they are comparing to, the the world, let alone social media would be a better place. I've been seeing various quotes that says 'Don't compare yourselves to others, you never know what they're going through' and happen to stand by which makes it relevant for a reason so you may not know what that person have to go through to earn their success including working long and hard to earn their body with a specialise routine, go through a lot with their partner to make their relationship work, receive lots of help to get better in regards to their heath, their courage to come out and so fourth. Chances are that they may go through the same struggles as you. I am aware that people may only show their highlights by playing devil's advocate that makes them look perfect like with Instagram by going through all the work and trouble to get the right shot to my understanding as I've seen on Sam Cushing's video (go and check him out, he have genuine content who happens to look hot) but I say it's up to them if they want to show their full story, showing how they earned their progress or deal with them privately. What they show may seem to be perfect but realistically, no one is perfect which makes them human so it's not worth getting down with seeing a post that makes them look, well perfect.
Likewise, some may compare to the amount of likes or followers they have. I say that social media should be used for more fulfilling purposes including spreading inspiration, making connections and for my cases, follow celebrates and hobbies that I'm into rather than using it for the likes or followers. There are bigger problems with social media than the amount of numbers you have including with drama and negativity.
Sharing highlights is what we need more of comparing to sharing problems and weak moments which apparently makes you an inauthentic person. Don't get me wrong, I do get that some may find it easier to share and to be open with meaningful problems online which can be a way of getting help from others, resonate with others that might be going through the same thing and for them to reach out to others as well as various causes to help to make the world a better place and some news that we should take some note of. I myself have been sending support to those who are having difficulties at times, helping them to get through it and it's beautiful to show that you're not alone with these problems. But we still need to share our happiness and highlights (as well as some laughs) on social media to inspire others, showing that the world is still beautiful even with its difficulties as sharing too many problems without getting any actual help or dealing with it (or take meaningful action for the cause) can weigh me down and find social media stressful and depressing. As I've said on my previous post, I've been focusing on what gives me good vibes on social media while avoiding anything that gives be bad vibes including meaningless drama and negativity for my mental health (while still open to other people's problems and some causes but not forgetting to look after myself too). The world needs more strong people to motivate and lift others up (and showing how they overcome their difficulties). Whilst it's ok to share some problems and causes, you are responsible for what you put out on your social media and would again only weigh down people overtime (as I've learned from Steven Universe episode 'What's your problem?'). Rather than constantly venting on the internet or bottling them up, it would be better to deal with them offline with practical solutions and if needed, inner circle including friends and family or counsellor in the long run (and only really share them online if you really need help).
Life is too short to compare to others so next time you find someone who you happen to compare to online, give them the benefit of the doubt and celebrate their success which is what true friends and supporters would do. Maybe you could even use their story to inspire you to become a better person. Having said all this, if you happen to feel inferior, you can instead focus on your own qualities on what you have (that they may not have), concentrate on your own story and remember that you are still loved and better than you think you are without the internet telling your self worth otherwise.
Such wise words, thank you
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