Staying True to Yourself Amidst Social Pressures

In a world where we are constantly bombarded by messages about not being enough, not having enough, or not doing enough, it is the ultimate form of rebellion to know who you are, what you want, and why you do what you do.

So how does one rebel against popular culture and stand firm and true to themselves in a technology-infused world?

1. Know your values

Instead of totally avoiding social media, navigate it with a clear sense of who you are. One way to understand yourself is to explore your values.?

To assess your values, think about what you did last week – those are your lived values. Did you spend time with loved ones? Did you give yourself or your money to others? Did you stand up for your colleague when she was being bullied? We can claim to have a lot of positive values but in the final analysis, it is only the values we live day-to-day that define who we are.

2. Dare to say no

Dare to be the parent that says no to social media for their kids. Dare to be that employee who says they will not be able to respond after a set time in the evening. Dare to be that host who tells all her friends “No phones at the table.”. Yes, technology is the shiny new toy that everyone wants to have, but sunlight, movement, nature, eating from the earth, being with loved ones, being productive, and resting every day is far more important.?

3. Have strict guidelines?

Social media is both addictive and intrusive. It’s designed to keep you ‘engaged’, and often we are so casual about the fact we are addicted as if it’s not a problem. Set boundaries for how, when, and what you will consume on social media and how will you post on it. For example, you could use app limiters that only allow you to open distracting apps between certain hours of the day.?

4. Develop all parts of yourself

Develop a strong sense of self so that you will be able to take a stand and rebel against social conformity and social comparison. What are all your hobbies? Who are your people? What do you like to learn about? What charities do you contribute to? What are your physical health goals? You are more than the person that you present on social media, and the stronger you are anchored in the real world and your real life, the less influenced you will be by online pressures.

5. Cancel “cancel culture”

Because of social media, it is easy to reduce other people’s lives to a singular moment or statement. It is okay to be upset with something someone did or said, but reducing a person to one moment is wrong and a form of cyberbullying. It might make you unpopular that you are not getting on the bandwagon of canceling that person, but stand on the side of your values of compassion, consider the whole person always, and steadfastly choose humanity over popularity. Showing compassion for that person, as well as seeing your own faults and vulnerabilities will keep you grounded in reality.

Dr. Saliha Afridi

Clinical Psychologist and Managing Director at The LightHouse Arabia

Harper’s Bazaar Arabia

November 13, 2022