“Social media is a constant highlight reel that tells us that everything in our own lives, isn’t good enough.”

In a social media orientated world, where we tag our locations to make sure everyone knows we are at that cool new bar, take photos of cocktails or snap a bikini pic with the hashtag #summerbodyready. We immerse ourselves in a superficial world filled with heavily edited versions of people's lives and compare them to our own. We post body positive pics with the hope to make ourselves feel more empowered in our own skin, but the truth is, a lot of us post pictures for validation and attention. 

If that boy or girl you really fancy likes that heavily edited pic of you, you feel weirdly validated, if they don't, you question why. Many men and women compare themselves to other lifestyles and bodies and worry when their significant other likes or follows other people's posts and accounts.

Social media is linked with increased rates of anxiety and depression, in the past 25 years, rates of anxiety and depression have increased by 70% according to an RSPH survey. Instagram is rated as the worst social media platform when it comes to its impact on young people's mental health BBC News reports. 

Rosie Graham, health and fitness influencer believes in promoting unedited natural beauty and fitness. Although she trains glutes three times a week, cellulite and stretch marks are still a norm to her. Rosie posts pics of bloating and belly rolls while still being a fitness professional.

"There are so many men and women online who are made to feel like they have to reach impossible standards. Posts of bloating, belly rolls, cellulite and stretch marks should be normal on Instagram. Fitness influencers should use their platforms to promote an unedited version of themselves."

Rosie believes that Instagram needs to become a place of more relatable posts for it to become a healthier environment for us all. 

"Social media is a constant highlight reel that tells us that everything in our own lives, isn't good enough. Instagram is not doing enough to make it a safer place for a user's mental health. Kids who use Instagram are growing up, believing these expectations of beauty are normal."

However, Frankie, personal trainer and online coach, believes that Instagram is becoming a more body-positive place compared to how it was a few years ago. After her love for fitness grew into her new career path, Frankie became famous on Instagram, posting fitness tips and workout videos. 

"The vibe has changed. People are more educated, positive, motivating and real. I think that there is a long way to go, but I do really believe that it is transitioning to be a really inspiring platform in the fitness industry." 

In the past, Frankie found herself looking at other girls on Instagram and comparing her body to theirs. However, she feels since Instagram's shift into more body-positive posts, she has actively compared herself to others a lot less than she used to. 

"I've experienced looking at other girls on Instagram and thinking why don't I look like her and feeling really bad about myself. But in ways the platform in recent months/years there has been a shift in the message that is being sent out. There are a lot more body-positive influencers, and they really helped me to learn to love myself and love how I look."

Frankie feels Instagram is becoming a more positive place, but she thinks to combat pressures, people need to be more honest online and need to avoid photoshopping their pictures.

"Photoshopping your body is an absolute NO from me, especially if you're someone in the fitness/health industry where you're trying to create a body confidence/positive message. Honesty on social media is key, it shows realness and imperfections that everyone can relate to."

Jasmine Star, a business strategist and photographer, helps entrepreneurs grow their business on social media. Her passion is to help others see that the seemingly impossible is possible. She believes that Instagram has the potential to be whatever you choose to make it. 

"We each have the ability to make it a positive place and surround ourselves with positive people/accounts, just like we can do in life. Social media is a privilege, and we all have the responsibility to use it appropriately to make it a positive place. Still, some people abuse this privilege, which in turn brings in negativity." 

Jasmine thinks by blocking out the hater's Instagram users have the potential to create a positive and fun environment on Instagram rather than a place to gain validation and approval.

"We live in a world where people feel the need to feel validation in every aspect of their lives, whether that's on social media or in real life. The digital world has made many people insecure, so they seek validation, ironically from the same medium that causes that insecurity."

Her advice to those who feel insecure because of social media is to learn to stop caring what others might think and to surround yourself with people and things that make you feel good. 

"Their opinions don't pay your bills, cuddle you at night, or define your worth. If you feel beautiful, be beautiful. If someone can't see your beauty, it's simply their insecurities that get in the way. Surround yourself with others that make you feel good."

If you feel you are suffering from pressures online, please visit https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/g30681374/social-media-detox-tips/ for information on how to take a social media detox.

Want the opposite of a socials detox? Why not explore our map of the five most instagrammable spots in Newcastle?