Do you ever wonder how different life might be without social media? These thoughts never crossed my mind until I realized how much stress it brought into my life.
Eight-time Grammy award winning artist Lauryn Hill said, “I came to terms with the fact that I had created this public persona—this public illusion—and it held me hostage like I couldn’t be a real person. Because you’re too afraid of what your public will say.” She also said our will is a gift that’s given to us. “Whenever we submit our will to someone else’s opinion, a part of us dies,” she said.
Hearing the vulnerability of one of my favorite artists made my mind race. I began to reflect, and I realized I could relate to these words in my own life. I felt like I was being held hostage by my phone and the unrealistic expectations brought on by society. Thoughts of myself were dependent on what others thought of me or if I was measuring up to the latest beauty standard.
After realizing the hold social media had on my life this past summer, I decided to delete my social media and other apps that occupied my time off of my phone. I never expected the results to be as shocking as they were.
Suddenly, I could breathe again. My life felt so much more peaceful and enjoyable, and I was much happier. I began doing things I loved again, and I finally felt secure in myself. Above all, my relationship with God became the strongest it had ever been.
This was absolutely life changing, which is why I was inspired to start this column. I hope to explore and uncover the truths behind social media and technology that most of us, including myself, are blind to.
