I should be consuming social media; my social media should not be consuming me. 

Lately, as I do my nightly scroll through social media, I’ve noticed this extreme increase in advertisements and sponsored videos (sponsored videos are when a content creator gets paid to promote a product in their video).  

My feed used to be filled with inspiring and educational videos. I learned and grew through social media’s representation of art and culture from across the world. 

Now, I can’t open a social media app without being pressured to buy a “viral” “must have” product. 

I believe it all stems from our society’s obsession with aesthetics and curated identities, which is derived from the bigger umbrella of capitalism. 

When I was a teenager, I would see these really cool hippie chicks on TikTok who seemed really satisfied in life. 

I thought to myself, if I just had those clothes, that hair, those shoes, and that water bottle, then I could live a life like that. 

I wanted so badly to fit into that free spirit aesthetic that I didn’t care very much about actually being a free spirit. 

I soon realized having materialistic items wouldn’t guarantee happiness and satisfaction in life. I had to find it for myself.  

My sense of self has been gained through understanding my dreams and passions. 

I try to actively exclude any influence from social media.  

That’s not to say I don’t slip up every now and again, but I try to be aware of it.  

Now it’s even easier because social media apps have quick links to buy whatever your favorite content creator is wearing or doing in specific videos. 

So, whenever I feel tempted to buy something, I try and ask myself, is this something that will bring me joy, or be useful in my life? Or do I just want it because everyone has it and I feel left out.  

We all want to fit into these aesthetics that we forget to spend time figuring out who we actually are. 

It’s important to remember that the lives that are portrayed on social media aren’t realistic, and material objects won’t change who you are or your self-worth.  

And I can guarantee the “must have” Owala water bottle especially won’t. 

We’re burying our real personalities and interests under these new weekly trends. 

How much are these identities and aesthetics costing us? 

Because I’m not willing to pay.