In this age of social outward-ness courtesy of social media, it’s not hard for impressionable minds to get stressed about what it takes to be ‘accepted’. But do you even need the acceptance from nobodies? Sofia Syed explains how you really don’t.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”peacoc” style=”shadow”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
n this age of science and technology, where progression is the forefront of every agenda, our inherent views remain ingrained in a conceited puddle of opinions, which we very proudly sustain. Whether it’s our own conscience knocking on several doors, or the dogmatic opinions of our peers and coworkers, it remains implied that the ugly voice in our head needs to be heard. And while this seems to be a justifiable notion in our mind, the actual byproduct is nowhere prudent than it first appeared. Thinking about our present day social media domination, we fall prey to what’s known as the ‘digital age’ where minors, teens and adults divulge the perfect image of a perfect life. While this pretense remains largely questionable, those who are vulnerable ignite a series of self-loathing queries inside their head.
In the present day social media domination, we fall prey to what’s known as the ‘digital age’, where minors, teens and adults divulge the perfect image of a perfect life.
There is an entire generation, which is now lacking morals and virtues and exhibiting an effervescence of outward show and braggadocio. And the ones at the receiving end suppress a plethora of uncertainty, which then piles up and exudes itself as compromised mental health. A majority of our population comprises of minors attempting suicide due to lack of mental clarity or oppression. The large part of which, is attributed to undue peer pressure and the inability to fall under a certain criteria of acceptance.
Pressure=Panic
We spend our entire lives trying to fit a certain image. Whether it’s a wife who is trying to tailor herself according to the needs of her husband or a college student switching characters to see which one is accepted most, we are in a constant struggle to be accepted. And it all comes down to opinions. According to Alfred Adler, a famous psychologist, all our problems are interpersonal relationship problems i.e. how we relate to one another.
Whether it’s a wife who is trying to tailor herself according to her husband’s need or a college student switching characters, we are in a constant struggle to be accepted
He further explains that we all experience a sense of inferiority. For guarded individuals, it acts as a trigger to better themselves in terms of self-improvement. But for the slightly vulnerable ones, it exudes as either isolation or a unique way of masking it by displaying superiority blatantly in front of others. Our lives remain interlocked in this whirlpool of prejudice that clouds our rational thinking and reasoning. And yet the instagrammable era isn’t a far cry from this matter.
Insta-craze
In fact, the greatest predicament of our generation is the unrealistic standard set by our ‘insta-worthy’ surrounding. And while our influencers try their best to bring you the unbiased truth, sometimes impressions hit close to home. For most of us it might come off as freedom of speech which, rightfully so, is legitimate. But the way that speech is expressed sometimes does more harm than it does good. And the majority, which use ‘constructive criticism’ as a sugarcoated pill to manifest their nefarious intentions don’t realize the magnitude of their actions or remain oblivious to the after effects. I, for one, don’t think it ever gets better with time. Rather, the more exposed we are to differing views, the more our condition deteriorates. This leaves us either at the mercy of others or at stake with therapists in order to regain our sanity and reclaim our self-esteem. Until the day we learn to be self aware of the words we hurl at others, we need to protect our mental space by constructing a filter in our mind. Anything that doesn’t bring you peace or add value to your life is something that needs to be sieved through generously until the point that it no longer affects you. You are better than what you let on.Let that sink in.
Sofia Syed is a dentist. She tweets @sofia_syed and can be reached at sofia.syed1995@gmail.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]