“Real life is not someone else’s social media highlight reel.” – Nick Huff
Our good friends Ryan and Stephanie invited my wife and me to the exclusive Hyde Nightclub at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas (photo above).
It’s packed!
It’s Tuesday night!
Did I mention it was Las Vegas?
I noticed an unusual pattern.
Approximately 15 to 20 patrons, in the VIP section, were simultaneously dancing on mini-stages and Facebook Live Video Streaming. It would appear they were having the time of their lives.
Note to self: next time I come here, I’ve got to get a VIP pass!
Cut!
However, as soon as the cell phones turned off, many of the “VIP stage people” stopped, dancing, yelling and laughing. Many of them just sat down… by themselves. They appeared to be lonely.
Maybe, they were just tired from all that dancing.
Note to self: get in shape before you apply for VIP pass!
Action!
Twenty minutes later it was time for another broadcast. Action! They’re back on stage appearing to be having a great time.
Cut. Back to sitting.
This cycle continued throughout the night.
Seeing it from a distance, it felt staged.
Fake Fun!
How often have you beaten yourself up because of SMFOMO –Social Media FOMO – the fear of missing out? Maybe you didn’t literally beat yourself up…perhaps you were a little envious. (Did you notice how I craved a VIP pass?)
You see a Facebook Live Video or Instagram pics of others appearing to have the times of their lives, and you compare yourself to them.
You compare their perceived best to your not-so-best.
Honestly, is this a fair comparison? Is it even a real comparison?
I’m going to invite you not to compare yourself to these Social Media FOMO Fake-Fun moments.
I’m not suggesting that everyone at the Hyde nightclub (or any social media platform) is not having fun. I have no idea what is going on in their lives. But because of their Jekyll & Hyde (pun intended) behavior, on and off the camera, it made me doubt which version was authentic.
Speaking only for myself, when I play the comparison game, I rarely win.
I’m inviting you not to play. This game may be rigged.
Moreover, what happens when the spotlight is turned off? Do they show these moments? Those quiet moments when they are alone, and life is not a night at the club, having the time of their lives. Some do, but it is rare.
On ESPN’s SportsCenter, they show the highlights of the best sports plays of the day.
On social media, most, not all, put up their best plays of the day – their highlight reels.
As my fitness instructor, Nick Huff says, “Real life is not someone else’s social media highlight reel!”
There is absolutely nothing wrong with posting the best of your life; or even the everyday and ordinary. I encourage it.
Nevertheless, for those of us on the receiving end of these posts, don’t play the comparison game.
Also, avoid the comparison game in the real world (vs. virtual). When friends, family, or colleagues have success, be happy for them.
It’s a cliché, and it is true – you are enough.
You get more of what you focus on.
Shift the focus to:
– What you are thankful
– The good in your life
There is plenty. (And post it, if you are inclined).
Happy Holidays!
