Today, we live in a society driven by technology and, thanks to social media, we even have the chance to create new or ‘better’ versions of ourselves. As part of our profiles, we must create an online identity for the whole digital world to see and it is vital that it is nothing short of perfect. But have we become too obsessed with creating the perfect digital lifestyle, that we’re forgetting to enjoy the moment?

If you didn’t take a picture, did it even happen?

Everywhere you go, there are always people holding up their phones trying to capture the perfect picture. Back when we simply used disposable cameras, taking photographs was a way of recording memories but now it’s all for your social media followers. We’ve become obsessed with showing off our lives to the point where we compulsively fill up our camera roll with similar but not-quite-perfect images.

Today, if you’re headed somewhere remotely interesting, it has become an essential part of the trip to upload an image to every social media account, as proof that it ever happened. Whether it be a crazy night out, relaxing holiday or simple coffee with friends, you’re guaranteed to find someone whipping out their phone, snapping the moment away.

Group photos before heading out is a must. It’s just routine now. Get ready. Pre drinks. Photos. Taxi. Everyone does it.” – Kaisha, Uni Student.

But why are we experiencing everything through the screen on our phones? Images and videos we upload onto our profile contribute to the way we present ourselves to our followers. Posting an Instagram of cocktails at a fancy bar or sending a Snapchat at a live gig sends an image about what type of person you are. Half the people in our ‘friends’ list, are people we haven’t spoke to in years and yet it is important to ensure they know your life is a great one.

Social media is a performance as we always want people to know what we’re doing. But unfortunately we’ve become so focused on capturing the perfect picture, our attention has been shifted away from the event itself.

We all need to stop focusing so much on capturing the moment and just enjoy it instead. Be present. Live in it. – Alexander.

Can you like my Insta?

Nowadays, life online is a competition of ‘likes’ and, due to this, simply uploading a picture is just the half of it. Much thought and planning goes into uploading our images in hope of reaching the ‘11 like’ goal. We’re obsessed with gaining as many likes as possible and even feel embarrassed when we don’t. Hopefully checking our notifications on a more-than-regular basis, we even go as far as messaging friends asking for ‘Insta support’.

Everyone knows that 11 is the magic number when it comes to likes on Instagram. I even tend to delete my upload after a few minutes if it hasn’t reached it. And I know I’m not the only one.” – Ellie.

Social media also gives us full editing control, encouraging us to distort and re-arrange our pictures. Instagram offers an array of ‘filters’ to enhance your best features and people endlessly adjust the brightness and contrast before finally uploading it. Again, social media has made us obsessed with appearing to lead an idyllic lifestyle.

We are so intent on capturing our experiences that we have forgotten to actually enjoy the moment. We whip our phones out at every occasion to the point where it has even become routine. And why do we do this?

Unfortunately not for our own enjoyment but for the purpose of showing off to our followers. Social media also plays a key role in boosting self-esteem but at the cost of altering our image to fit one that is suitable for an online audience.

Next time your out, try and enjoy the moment and not live through your phone screen!