Unfollowing: how social media shapes (& warps) our self-worth
We live in a time where one scroll can make you feel like you’re behind on life. Everyone seems to have the dream job, perfect body, and thriving relationship — all before brunch. But here’s the truth: social media shows the highlight reel, not the behind-the-scenes. And too often, we start measuring our worth by someone else’s filter.
The Comparison Trap
When you’re constantly exposed to other people’s “best moments,” your brain starts comparing. You might think, Why am I not there yet? or What’s wrong with me? Over time, that comparison erodes confidence and self-trust. It’s not weakness — it’s human psychology. Your brain wasn’t designed for a constant feed of curated perfection.
For me, I get sucked into this curated perfection when I see perfectly manicured homes; no toys to be cleaned up, pillows nicely chopped in the middle with perfectly paired neutral colored decor with a lit candle. My house definitely doesn’t look like that. In my house, would will probably find where my daughter spilled her slime on the carpet, my husband’s work things strewed across our dining table. I started to realize that perfection isn’t reality, and my home was no exception. I started to follow content creators that spoke to my actual situations: working moms on the go.
Reclaim your feed—-and your peace. You can take control by:
Curating your feed: Unfollow or mute accounts that make you feel “less than” or start to judge your own self worth.
Adding inspo: Follow creators that make you think, laugh, and learn.
Taking breaks: Remind yourself that you exist beyond the screen
_________“ But here’s the truth: social media only shows the highlight reel, not the behind the scene.”
Closing thought
The next time you catch yourself comparing, remember: your timeline doesn’t define your value. Real life happens offline — in growth, in mistakes, in moments that never make it to the feed.