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Behind the Highlight Reel

  • Writer: Isabel Teixeira
    Isabel Teixeira
  • Aug 27
  • 2 min read

Today’s hyper-connected world makes it easier than ever to peek into other people’s lives. By scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, and even LinkedIn, it can constantly seem that everyone else is always on vacation, achieving career milestones, in a perfect relationship, or radiating effortless happiness. However, the version that we see in these platforms is only a carefully grafted sneak peek into other people’s lives. What we often forget is this: social media is a HIGHLIGHT REEL, not the full movie. 


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The Problem with the “Picture Perfect Life”

When we see an endless feed of celebrations, happiness, and beautiful places, it can subtly shape our expectations for our own lives. We start to believe that if we are not constantly happy, productive, or thriving, then we are somehow falling short of the life we should be living. 

It isn’t just unrealistic, but it is also harmful. Real life has highs and lows, moments of joy and periods of struggle. Even the people behind the amazing posts with millions of followers experience self-doubt, bad days, and setbacks. Unfortunately, we just don’t usually see those moments on our screens. 

Imagine if someone edited a movie and removed every moment of struggle or growth. It might look perfect, but it would lose all the depth, authenticity, and connection. The challenges we face in life are what build our story. 


The Mental Health Impact

Constantly comparing ourselves to the curated lives of others can lead to:

  • Increased feelings of inadequacy

  • Anxiety about “not keeping up” and intense feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out)

  • Depression from perceived failure 

  • Strain in relationships as we measure them against filtered expectations

  • Low self-esteem and shame

So, over time, this continuous comparison can make it harder to appreciate the very real, valuable moments we experience in our own lives. 


Healthier Ways to Navigate Social Media

  • Curate your feed: follow accounts that uplift and genuinely inspire you and let go of those that trigger guilt or self-doubt. 

  • Take breaks: Make sure to give yourself screen-free time to connect with real-life moments.

  • Practice reality checks: Give yourself grace and remind yourself that what you are seeing online is only a small part of someone’s reality. 


Writte by:

Isabel Teixeira

MHC-Intern

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