By: Lauren Galley
Being a teenager, I live in a world of social media and lately I have given a great deal of thought about the
issues and pressures young girls are facing in today’s media driven society. Girls as young as 9 (some even
younger) use media applications such as Instagram and Facebook. I love social media and believe it can be a
powerful tool to connect and network with those you might not meet otherwise, however, the use of social
media becomes toxic when girls use these applications to validate their self worth.
It is amazing how the word “LIKE” can influence the way a girl feels about herself. Let’s take Instagram as an
example. When I post a photo, I can honestly say I feel good about my choice and want to share it with my
friends. I think this is the thought most girls have when making a post. Then comes the anxiety of “Will I get
any “LIKES”” “How many “LIKES” will I get?” “Oh, no, it’s been two hours and not a single “LIKE””,
“OMG, I am so embarrassed. Nobody hit “LIKE””. Now, why in the world would a girl care about how
many likes she received if she posted a photo she originally felt so good about? All of a sudden, within
minutes, we are second guessing our confidence and allowing “LIKE” to declare us amazing. Who is
“LIKE”? Does the person behind each “LIKE” have the power to make us feel any certain way about
ourselves? The answer is yes to a vast majority of tween and teen girls. When there is a lack of “LIKE” in our
life, our percentage of confidence and girl power diminishes a little with each ticking moment that post is
streaming. Girls can’t stop themselves from checking their smart phones, forgetting their school work, family
and responsibilities as they wait for “LIKE” to enter their life again. I know that sounds a little dramatic, but
I promise you I am not veering too far from the truth. Don’t let “LIKE” take control of your posts on social
media. Use your “Girl Power” and focus more on the important things happening in your life today! ~ Lauren
* Taken from Lauren’s Huffington Post Teen Blog