Perfect: having no mistakes or flaws. Perfect: Unrealistic!
Pick up your phone and scroll through Instagram. Chances are if you follow at least one account dedicated to what you perceive to be the perfect lifestyle. Whether if be fitspo accounts featuring girls whose bodies look permanently ready for the Victoria’s Secret runway, luxury lifestyle accounts plastered with photos of million dollar cars, couture and mega mansions or A-list social media gurus who post non-stop glamazon selfies and pics from the coolest clubs. Everyone knows people only post their favourite moments to social media with the hopes of seeming cool. No one has ever stepped up and revealed the truth behind famous, lust-worthy accounts until now.
Essena O’Neill is the 18-year-old Australian Insta model recently came into the spotlight after announcing to her 600,000+ followers she was officially quitting social media. In a heartfelt video Essena posted to her new website letsbegamechangers.com the emotional teen confessed to re-taking photos hundreds of times to get the perfect angle, the perfectly sucked in stomach and the perfect thigh gap. Essena also admitted to being paid to promote products through her account which she was about nothing more than self promotion (a disturbing fixation which started at age 12.) Essena’s new website reveals the truth behind the images she posted and is a platform for her to discuss important changes she would like to see come about in the digital age of social media and the never ending pressure for perfection so many feel when on social media.
Essena’s message is extremely important and empowering. By stepping up and taking a stand against the negative side of social media Essena is breaking down the stigma of perfection. No one is perfect and no one should aim to be perfect. Flaws are what make individuals unique and beautiful. People need to stop looking at images they see online and comparing themselves to unrealistic ideals that only exist in the fleeting, surreal world of digital media.
Essena’s campaign of revealing the “fake” side of social media is definitely a noble one, however it is important to remember your social media feel does not have to be fictional. Everyone wants to curate a collection of photos that are impressive and attractive, however beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Personally, I think there is nothing more beautiful than those who live life authentically, with passion and by a value code they are proud of. When you stop focussing on how pretty someone looks in a photo or how many likes they get and start focussing on things that are important to you in the real world you will find you are truly setting yourself free.
The jury is out on Essena O’Neill and the debate on her social media message is flooding news feeds from Facebook to Twitter. O’Neill has many fans and supporters, however like anyone who takes a stand against the mainstream, she is also facing backlash. Regardless of whether or not you like what Essena has to say it’s pretty hard not to respect her. I hope Essena’s message inspired other Instagram celebrities to be more honest about the “goal-worthy” photos they post and jump on the game changer bandwagon.
The post ESSENA O’NEIL TAKES A STAND AGAINST SOCIAL MEDIA appeared first on Fashion & Beauty Inc.
