Many young people struggle with psychological issues and develop an inferiority complex. Guru, how can we deal with this pressure?
I am weary of celebrity wedding content on social media
Dear Guru,
I am just concerned about the overwhelming presence of celebrities’ wedding celebrations on social media and the negative effects it has on the younger generation, including my own experiences and thoughts.
I have noticed a trend where celebrities, for example Mahira Khan’s recent wedding, share an extensive amount of content related to their wedding celebrations on social media platforms. Though their wedding is ‘intimate’, they document every aspect of their special day, from mehndi ceremonies and makeup sessions to venue details and dresses.
Young people, like my younger sister, are greatly influenced by these extravagant celebrity weddings. They start to idealize fairytale weddings depicted by celebrities, while the reality is often far removed from such extravagance. The majority of the population in Pakistan belongs to the middle or lower-middle class, and their circumstances don’t allow them to celebrate weddings in a similar fashion.
These never-ending wedding photos and videos create immense pressure on young people. They begin to compare their own circumstances with those of celebrities and feel inadequate. The desire to look as good as these celebrities on their wedding day can lead to feelings of worthlessness and insecurity. Even rich families, who can afford lavish weddings, contribute to this issue by extensively sharing their celebratory content on social media.
Many young people struggle with psychological issues and develop an inferiority complex. Guru, how can we deal with this pressure?
Concerned Youth
Dear Concerned Youth,
I agree that celebrity weddings like Mahira’s appear dreamy and glamorous, but it’s essential to remember that these are indeed celebrity weddings. Celebrities have a public image to maintain, and sharing their lavish weddings is part of their personal and professional brand. They’ve worked hard to achieve their status, and they have fans who genuinely admire them and want to be part of their lives. Sharing these extravagant moments is a way to connect with their audiences and showcase their achievements.
What’s crucial to understand is that we can’t control what others post on social media or how they choose to live their lives. It’s their prerogative, and while it may sometimes appear overwhelming, it’s not something we can change. Instead, we have the power to control our own actions and reactions.
Taking long and frequent breaks from social media is an excellent suggestion. Immersing oneself in meaningful and engaging offline activities can help reduce the significance of social media in our lives. Pursuing hobbies, spending quality time with loved ones, and focusing on personal growth are ways to shift our attention away from what’s happening on our screens.
You should also try customizing your social media feed. Follow accounts related to different areas of interest, such as hobbies, travel, or education, and engage with positive and informative content. When I get bored of some typical kind of content on Instagram, I randomly start liking posts of flowers, whales and travel videos to break that monotony. By diversifying your online experience, you’ll naturally come across fewer posts related to celebrity weddings.
So, the key is to remember that social media is a curated and often refined version of people’s lives. It’s not an accurate reflection of reality. By grounding yourself in real-life experiences and meaningful activities, you can reduce the impact of social media’s influence and look at your own life in a more positive way.
Good luck!
