“There will never be anyone exactly like you. You were given special gifts and talents to share with the world, and even though everybody has special gifts and talents, nobody will use theirs quite the same way you do.”
– Jen Sincero
Instagram recently introduced the ‘Remix’ option in their Reels section. People often use this feature to record a performance that is identical to that of a celebrity, and post it alongside the original video. This is just the latest illustration of how social media has created an environment wherein we find ourselves constantly comparing our lives with those of people who have seemingly glamorous lifestyles.
Such comparison comes in very harmless forms, but may have some devastating effects. When we compare ourselves with someone who seems to be doing better than us, research shows that it brings a sense of envy, low self-confidence, and may even lead to depression. And the odds are that we are carrying out these comparisons based on inaccurate or incomplete information. A study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin showed that people are less likely to reveal their negative emotions than their positive emotions on social media. Additionally, people tend to overestimate the positivity in others’ lives. On the other hand, when we compare ourselves with someone who’s not doing as well as us, we may develop a sense of arrogance, which may hinder us from fully realizing our unique God-given potential.
The Bible gives us words of wisdom in this regard, when it says, “Do your own work well, and then you will have something to be proud of. But don’t compare yourself with others.” So why remix the tunes of others’ lives, when you’re created to be an original yourself?
Pearls – 28 April 2021