By Samaira Varma DP-1
Via FreePik
Social media's toxic and peer-pressuring wave heavily influences today's world.
Picture perfect bodies and flawless lives constantly filling one's feed.
Naturally, anyone could develop insecurities and pursue a relentless quest for
validation. This complex and exhausting journey can extensively affect one's
mental health. This article will delve into the dynamics of insecurities and the
downhill battle of continuously searching for validation.
Insecurities: The silent saboteurs of self-confidence
Insecurities are feelings of inadequacy (not being good enough) and uncertainty.
Insecurities can show themselves in the form of comparing yourself with another.
Measuring our self-worth against a completely different person could eventually
lead to feeling inadequacy.
Furthermore, we get pressured by societal expectations of beauty, success and
happiness, which can create unrealistic expectations within ourselves and hold
ourselves up to a stature that isn't wholly achievable. What's more our
dreadful past experiences, which can build up to form trauma that can permanently
wound us.
Craving validation
Usually, due to our insecurities, we develop a frequent hunt for validation. The need to always feel good enough to be praised and liked by others creates a false sense of reassurance about your ability and looks. We can also search for validation through social media through the number of likes, views, and comments. Moreover, we tend to strive for perfection when, in reality, no one can achieve it. This is to prove our self-worth to others and, most of the time, ourselves.
The menace of social media
The curation of social media and its growing importance amplifies our doubts and imperfections. Apps like Instagram and Facebook, the never-ending posts about our lives trying to make one seem more interesting than the other, not realising that we can also affect the mentality of those who view them.
The fight against our self-esteem
To stop this tiresome cycle of validation and insecurities, we must power our way through it. We can do this by being self-aware that we must take accountability for being a victim, as many are, and try to find the cause of the tumor overtaking our lives. Challenging negative thoughts is our next move. Don't be harsh on yourself; negate those negative comments with positive affirmations. It's never a bad trait to be kind to others and yourself.
Additionally, stop chasing unrealistic standards. Set achievable goals, and remember, you can't do everything all in one day. Hard work takes time and effort. On top of that, we must be careful of our social media usage. It's okay to enjoy going on social media, but make sure to fill your feed with encouraging content that inspires you.
Most importantly, get professional help. Most societies, especially Asian ones, have curated a stigma against therapy; however, it's completely normal. Something doesn't have to be inherently wrong for you to be able to talk to someone professionally. Talking to someone and letting them in is the first and most significant step anyone can take towards happiness.
In conclusion, seeking validation and having insecurities is a thing most people struggle with. Yet, they keep it hidden, which tends to eat them alive. Although receiving compliments and praises can give one a sense of temporary achievement, it's not the answer. Once we get into a routine of self-compassion, setting realistic standards and positive affirmations, we can navigate through the rocky terrain of our struggles with self-esteem and finally achieve ever-lasting confidence.
"The only permission, the only validation, and the only opinion that matters in our quest for greatness is our own" - Dr. Steve Maraboli.
