Break free in 2025: Beat the pressure of social media

A young woman on her phone. (Courtesy)

As we welcome the New Year, people everywhere whisper resolutions, scribble goals in journals and dream of better days ahead. There is a strong desire to be a better version of oneself.  However, for many, these aspirations are shaped by an image—a flawless photo on Instagram, or Snapchat, a perfectly edited video on TikTok, or the enviable life of someone on Facebook. Social media has become a double-edged sword: it connects us to the world, but often traps us in a cycle of unhealthy comparison. In this filtered world, where reality hides behind clever edits and curated perfection, the challenge is to find the courage to embrace authenticity.

Social media is much like a house of mirrors at a carnival: step inside and your reflection twists and bends. In one mirror, you’re impossibly tall; in another, unnaturally thin. It’s funny because you know the distortion isn’t real. Yet, on social media, the lines blur. Each scroll through your feed feels like walking past another warped mirror—every post seemingly perfect, every image a reminder of what you think you lack. The influencer with flawless skin, the blogger with the dream car, or the friend who always seems to be travelling the world might be reflections, not realities. Behind each post is a story you cannot see: the hours spent editing, the subtle choice of filters, the struggles hidden behind smiles, and the relentless pressure to maintain the illusion.

For many, scrolling through these curated lives brings a quiet dissatisfaction, a sense that they’re not doing enough, achieving enough, or even being enough. It’s like carrying an invisible backpack filled with stones. Each comparison adds weight. “Why don’t I have a job like theirs?”—another stone. “Why does their relationship look so perfect?”—another. “Why can’t I afford a lifestyle like that?”—another. By the end of the day, the burden is overwhelming, not because of personal failure, but because of unrealistic comparisons. This obsession with perfection mirrors the story of the emperor’s new clothes. The emperor, convinced he was adorned in the finest garments, paraded proudly through the streets, only to be exposed as naked when a child spoke the truth. Social media often makes us like that emperor, chasing validation and applause for a life that may not even be real.

But how do we break free from this cycle? First, it’s essential to focus on your own journey. Life is like planting a garden; flowers don’t bloom overnight. If you spend all your time comparing your garden to someone else’s, you’ll miss the beauty of watching your own grow. Celebrate your milestones, no matter how small. Whether it’s saving for your first car, learning a new skill, or surviving a difficult day, each step forward is worth acknowledging.

Second, detox your social media feed. Just as you’d avoid junk food to stay healthy, curate your online space to nurture your mind. Unfollow accounts that make you feel inadequate and instead follow those that inspire growth, authenticity and positivity. Your feed is like a diet for your mind—choose wisely what you consume.

Third, embrace gratitude. Imagine holding a jar where you drop a note each day about something you’re grateful for—a kind word, a small victory, or a beautiful sunset. Over time, the jar fills, reminding you of your blessings. Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have, fostering contentment and peace.

Finally, dare to be authentic. In a world suffocating under filters, authenticity is a breath of fresh air. Share your real self—the highs and lows, the triumphs and struggles. Vulnerability often connects more deeply than perfection ever could.

As you step into the New Year, remember this: your worth isn’t measured by likes, comments, or followers. You are not defined by the filters you use or the applause you receive. True beauty lies in your unique journey, your genuine smile and your courage to be yourself.