Changing Mentality of the Media

Dear Dad,

Why is social media so addictive?

Although I know it has been for a while now, I've never admitted that I may have always been at least the slightest bit drawn to it to a higher degree along with my others. I guess that's the price I pay for downloading Instagram, Snapchat, and (at the time) musical.ly at the age of nine, with you & mom being too busy taking care of us kids to realize that it was probably too young for me to have at that age.

But why is it the way that it is? Whenever the topic of social media is brought up between friends or acquaintances, it's one I've always tried to defend since I was "so young" when first being exposed to it. In reality, I think to a certain degree I can't live without it. During said discussions with others, I always resort back to the fact that because I joined the list of social platforms so young, I now know how to handle it better or have become more aware of things that happen across the Internet—which I'm now beginning to see is personally not the best defense or something I want to be known for.

With all of the knowledge, culture, trends, & information it can yield, it's underwhelming to say how each outlet can carve such a dark hole in one's mental health, dad. Knowledgeable you never got to fully understand or experience this era of social reign, you would never believe the revolutions it's started in this current day. So much, that I think what I've become so passionate within my life to do is find a way to ease the deterring feelings that people feel while scrolling & unconsciously comparing themselves, wishing for that luxurious life of influencers, or just beating themselves down for not "being created" a specific way.

It's been so long since I first downloaded Instagram—over ten years ago now eek—that I've seen quite the cycle where individuals have lost confidence in their bodies, lifestyles, & just who they are in general. It comes to a point when one doesn't fully understand until they personally experience feelings like this, from eating disorders to depressive states, that a realization comes to fruition: the problem is not them, but the media & influence they are digesting on a daily basis.

With this, dad, what I hope to do from this point forward with my words & experiences is to make the art of creating content authentic again. I'm not talking about the trend "make Instagram casual again" *insert selfie* but teaching others how to perceive & appreciate the effort others put into their endorsements & lifestyle posts with a more knowledgeable & inspirational mindset, rather than a detrimental & suffocating way.

These flowing ideas my brain has at 11pm (recently my most productive hour of the night) are definitely long shots as I believe so many others attempt to do this on a daily basis. But I wholeheartedly believe that the more true, genuine content there is spread by others, the more healthy one's general wellness & daily routines will begin to feel. No longer would others look at their favorite influencers or those perceived celebrities with jealously & insecurity, or spend hours of screen time a day making sure each selfie on Snapchat sent to that one person looks good enough. Instead, let's reassure those with hope for the physical future of their lives, rather than the ones we have now formed in such small machines—while encouraging them to grow into the person they want to be.

This is all said because I truly believe life can never go back to the way it was—where pictures were taken on digital cameras, camcorders, & polaroids, & the main form of communication was landline, mobile phones made for calling only, & of course writing letters (my favorite!!!!).

So, let's change the mindset & perspective of this new life we have been dealt. Because trust me, dad, if I had the choice to go back to the times of running around our yard for hours before drinking three Minute Maid juice boxes on repeat, I would in less than a heartbeat.

Unfortunately, these memories have become so vivid & vague to remember them clearly before I was introduced to the iPod. Soon my childhood became hours outside or on the patio, but recording myself talking, singing, dancing, or doing makeup.

But now, let me make you as proud as I can of these facts while still prideful of how I was raised. In other words, I hope you're cheering me on as I strive to show others how to navigate this social sphere more smartly as I also continue to do so.

Sending love forever & always,

Lauren M Tauber