An 18-year-old social media star is shaking things up by stepping away from all social media platforms, despite boasting large followings. She candidly admits to feeling “miserable” and isolated, revealing that she had become addicted to the approval of strangers online. In her journey towards authenticity, she is now revising the captions of her Instagram posts to reflect her true experiences, and her insights are truly eye-opening.
Meet Mia Thompson
Meet 18-year-old Mia Thompson, an Australian teen who began her social media journey at just 15. Fast forward three years, and she’s racked up over 500,000 followers on Instagram and more than 250,000 on YouTube. However, Mia has recognized that her obsession with validation through “likes” and comments was unhealthy. “I became infatuated with the notion that my worth was tied to how many people liked me,” she explains. “I spent countless hours on social media.” Sound familiar? Many teens can relate to this feeling.
Let’s Be Game Changers
In her new blog, Let’s Be Game Changers, Mia aims to unveil the reality behind the glamorous lives of social media influencers and offers a peek into the thoughts and struggles of her peers. As she steps back from Instagram, YouTube, Tumblr, and Snapchat, Mia reflects, “I was sinking in the illusion. Social media isn’t real; it’s just curated images and edited videos competing for attention. It’s a game of social approval based on likes and followers… and it consumed me.” Wow! For someone her age, that’s a remarkable realization.
The Harsh Judgment of Social Media
Mia’s honesty sheds light on the often harsh judgment that social media can impose, which can be damaging for teens emotionally and mentally. Questions like “Did her post get more likes than mine?” or “Why does she have so many comments while I only have a few?” can easily lead to feelings of inadequacy.
In her edited captions, Mia shares her struggles, including times when she starved herself to appear thinner for a photo or took over a hundred pictures to achieve the “perfect” shot, often using various editing apps before posting. This provides a unique perspective on the polished facade of social media from a teen’s viewpoint.
A Valuable Lesson for Teens
I truly admire Mia for her self-awareness and her commitment to sharing the truth about her past life as a social media influencer. Her revelations could serve as a valuable lesson for teens who might think that this curated perfection is the norm. As an adult and a mom, I’ve found myself comparing my life to others on social media, only to feel inadequate at times. If I, as a grown woman, can experience these feelings, imagine how much more intense they can be for a young girl scrolling through flawless images.
Celebrating Mia’s Bravery
We should celebrate Mia for her brave admissions regarding her experiences as a social media “celebrity.” She can be a powerful voice in helping young people see the online world for what it really is. As parents, navigating this new terrain can be tricky, given that we didn’t face these issues growing up. I sincerely hope Mia finds herself beyond her social media persona and continues to advocate for this crucial topic impacting today’s youth.
Conclusion
In summary, Mia Thompson’s story highlights the importance of recognizing that social media often presents a distorted reality. Her brave decision to step back and share her truth can inspire teens to understand that “likes” don’t define their worth.