As we scroll through social media, we encounter a barrage of headlines about famous musicians, actors, and influencers. Our feeds are flooded with images and videos that showcase the glamorous lives of these celebrities, alongside a multitude of cultural, social, and political issues that shape our world. We are immersed in the entertainment industry—seeing its highs, lows, and everything in between.
This leads me to ponder: what impact does this constant exposure have on our psyche? How does it influence our self-expression and self-worth?
There are several key areas worth exploring, starting with the unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by the industry. We’ve been conditioned to accept these standards as the norm, fueled by the stunningly attractive celebrities who dominate our digital landscapes.
These beauty ideals often seem unattainable, creating a skewed perception of what is considered “normal.” With every flawless photo and perfectly curated video, many of us may start to feel inadequate, comparing ourselves to these images that rarely reflect reality. This can lead to body image issues and diminished self-esteem, especially for those in their 20s who are still defining their identities and self-worth.
…But it’s not just about beauty standards—it’s about success too. We’re constantly shown the highlight reels of people who seem to have “made it,” whether it’s with money, fame, or accomplishments. The pressure to achieve similar milestones can feel overwhelming. For those of us navigating our 20s, this can make us feel like we’re behind, like we’re not doing enough.
I know I have lost myself in these comparisons. I know I’ve had those moments scrolling through Instagram or TikTok, wondering why my life doesn’t look as exciting or perfect. The truth is, we rarely see the messy parts of people’s journeys—the struggles, failures, or the everyday grind behind the scenes.
When you’re constantly bombarded by these curated lives, it can be easy to forget that we’re all running our own race. The entertainment industry, with its heavy focus on perfection, makes it hard to embrace our individuality. It pushes us toward this idea of having to look or act a certain way to be valuable or successful, which can really mess with how we express ourselves.
We’re more than our appearances or what we achieve. I think it’s important to take a step back and recognize that the things we see online don’t define us. There’s beauty in being authentic—in allowing ourselves to be imperfect, to grow at our own pace, and to express ourselves in ways that feel real to us.
In a world that’s constantly feeding us these polished images, it’s up to us to remind ourselves that our worth isn’t tied to these unrealistic ideals. It’s tied to who we are, and how we live and connect with others—beyond the filters, beyond the comparisons. That’s the mindset I’m trying to hold onto, and I hope others can too.
