Real Life, Behind Filters

In a world where social media paints a perfect picture, I've seen the difference between that and real life. On social media, everything looks flawless, but beneath those posts are real struggles we don't see.

On platforms like Instagram, Facebook or Tik-Tok, life is showcased through meticulously crafted snapshots, yet beneath these seemingly flawless posts lie untold stories of insecurities, struggles, and unfiltered realities. It's not always sunset hues and smiling faces; it's messy, complex, and imperfect.

Behind each post lies an untold story of insecurities masked by filters, struggles concealed behind radiant smiles, and loneliness while we pose next to our friends. Social media perpetuates the fallacy that our worth is tethered to likes and flawless aesthetics. We spend hours crafting the perfect post, chasing validation from virtual strangers, forgetting that genuine connections are forged in authenticity, not in airbrushed perfection.

Many of us, including myself, are guilty of falling to the feet of the social world and making sure we're keeping up with the Joneses. True fulfillment doesn't spring from a perfectly curated feed or materialistic clothing, bags, or cars. It's found in the unfiltered moments—the messy hair, tear-streaked faces, and genuine laughter shared with loved ones over the silliest thing.

Over half the entire world's population is active on social media, and if you take away young children and our elders from that demographic, about 85% are social media users. Our generation is the most active online, and also the most depressed, anxious, and worried. 

Life is more than just posting to have that one person see it, more than partying and videoing your whole night for your viewers to get FOMO. It's more than striking down your dreams because you're afraid of what other people will think, or telling yourself you're not good enough to make it.

Let's bridge the gap between the lies of social media and the authenticity of real life. No one is perfect, we all know that, yet we all act like we have to be perfect. Be on your phone, but for good reasons. Capture pictures of moments and make those artsy videos. Post what makes YOU happy, not what you think others will want to see. Say "No" to the things you don't want to do. Spend time with your family — and grandparents, even if you’d rather do anything else. Don't just go visit, hug hi, sit on your phone and hug bye. You never know when it will be your last time with your parents, siblings, grandparents or in fact, anybody. Love like there’s no tomorrow. Lift others up when you know they are feeling down but are struggling to speak up. Say you're sorry for when you mess up, and mean it. Support others, even if it’s from a distance. And always say I love you.

If we loved how Jesus loves, maybe the world would be happier, kinder, smarter, and more compassionate. Matthew 6:25 reminds us: "Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?" Our days are consumed with deliberations on what to eat, how to dress, and how to curate our online personas. Yet those who truly love us, they see deeper than the digital mask. Embrace your authenticity, for those who matter will embrace you for who you were, and are. Flaws and all.

Isaiah 60:22 reminds us, "When the time is right, I the Lord, will make it happen." A gentle reassurance that God’s timing supersedes our impatience. Trust in this timing, for by placing our faith in Him, our plans find their way. 

Romans 12:12 serves as a beacon through the storm, urging us to "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." In the different seasons that life inevitably brings, it's our ability to hold on to hope that sustains us. Strengthen your faith, as it will bring you genuine peace. I've learned that prayer isn't confined to bedtime or when you really want something; it's a constant conversation. 

Life can be a long journey, or short. Either way, we are given one chance. A gift that shouldn’t be measured in possessions, friends, likes, or money. Lets value real connections over social opinions, fake friends, and live like there's no tomorrow. Don't sweat over what others think—love deeply, live authentically, and not too seriously online. True richness lies in moments shared and genuine living. The number of followers you have does not make you a better person, remember, Jesus only had 12.

Love,

21 year old Hope