For too many years, I found myself falling into the same trap.

You know the one I’m talking about:

– Constantly seeking validation

– Obsessing over the perfect image

– Anxiety over likes and comments

– The incessant need to filter every photo before it sees the light of day.

I’m a keen psychology enthusiast and I was finding myself increasingly intrigued by this behavior.

Not too long ago, my social media presence was a chaotic mess. I was a regular guy who was captivated by the allure of virtual likes and constantly chasing the elusive picture-perfect image.

The result? A whirlwind of overthinking, anxiety, and a never-ending quest for validation that was affecting my real-life relationships and overall well-being.

But then I delved deep into psychology and stumbled upon seven intriguing behaviors that people who constantly use filters on their photos tend to display.

In this article, I’ll share these findings with you. They changed my perspective on social media usage, and I hope they can do the same for you.

Let’s dive in.

1) Seeking validation

This was the first behavior that caught my eye. The constant need to use a filter often stems from a deep-rooted desire for validation.

Over time, I realized that every time I posted a filtered photo, I was unconsciously seeking approval from my online followers.

It wasn’t about sharing moments from my life anymore, but about how many likes and positive comments I could gather.

The psychology behind this is fascinating. It links back to our primal need for social acceptance, which in the digital age, has found a new battleground – social media.

For someone like me, who was constantly tuning into this virtual popularity contest, this realization hit hard. I was surrendering my self-worth to an algorithm and strangers on the internet.

If you find yourself constantly filtering your photos and obsessing over likes, take a step back and ask yourself why. Is it really about sharing your life or is it about chasing validation?

Understanding this can be the first step towards healthier social media habits.

2) Creating a false persona

The second behavior I noticed was the creation of a false persona. Each filtered photo was like a brick in the wall of an alternate reality I was constructing for myself on social media.

I remember once posting a picture of myself grinning at the camera with the caption, “Living my best life!” But in reality, I had just lost my job and was feeling pretty low.

The disconnect between my online persona and my real life was startling, and distressing too.

This behavior aligns with what famous psychologist Carl Rogers referred to as ‘incongruence’. He once said, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination.”

This quote resonated with me on such a deep level because I was portraying a state of constant happiness online, when in reality, my life was a process filled with highs and lows.

If you find yourself creating a false online persona, consider Rogers’ quote. Remember, it’s okay not to be okay all the time. Social media is just one aspect of your life, not your entire existence. Embrace authenticity, it’s liberating.

3) Overthinking the perfect image

This was a big one for me. I would spend countless hours trying to capture the ‘perfect’ image to post, and even more time deciding on the right filter.

I remember a particular instance when I was on a beach vacation. Instead of enjoying the stunning sunset, I found myself obsessively trying to capture it from different angles, with different lighting, and then stressing over which filter would make it look the most ‘Instagram-worthy’.

This constant pursuit of perfection was not only exhausting but also robbed me of truly experiencing and enjoying beautiful moments.

If you find yourself in a similar loop, remind yourself that life isn’t meant to be lived through a filtered lens. It’s about being present and relishing in the raw, unfiltered beauty of each moment.

After all, perfection is subjective, and sometimes, the most authentic photos are the most beautiful.

4) Increased anxiety

This behavior was perhaps the most alarming for me. The more I relied on filters, the more anxious I became about my real-life appearance.

A study from the journal “Body Image” backs this up. They found that people who frequently used photo editing apps and filters reported higher levels of body-related and eating concerns compared to those who used these apps less frequently.

I could see this in myself. I began to feel uncomfortable with my unfiltered face, even started avoiding mirrors. My online, filtered persona had become my new standard for beauty and my real self didn’t measure up.

If you’re feeling anxious about your looks because of the constant filtering, it’s time to take a step back.

Remember, every photo is a snapshot, not a mirror. You are more than your Instagram feed.

The study made it clear that excessive filtering can lead to unhealthy body image perceptions, so it’s crucial to maintain a balanced approach to social media usage.

5) Dependency on social media validation

This behavior might sound familiar to many. I found myself becoming increasingly reliant on social media validation to feel good about myself.

Every like, comment, and share became a source of instant gratification. The dopamine hit became addictive, and soon, my self-esteem was tied to the number of likes I garnered on my posts.

The danger with this is that it’s a quicksand trap.

The more you depend on external validation for your self-esteem, the more you sink into the trap of constantly seeking approval. It’s a vicious cycle that can have damaging effects on your mental well-being.

If you recognize this pattern in your behavior, it’s essential to break free from this dependency.

Start by acknowledging your worth beyond likes and shares. Your value as an individual is not determined by social media metrics but by the unique qualities and strengths you possess.

6) Avoidance of reality

This was a tough one to admit. Relying on filters began to serve as a means of escaping reality for me.

Instead of dealing with my real-life challenges, I found solace in the make-believe world of my filtered photos. It was easier to portray a picture-perfect life online than face my actual problems.

This reminded me of the words of renowned psychologist, Dr. Wayne Dyer, who said, “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”

I realized I was using filters and social media as a coping mechanism instead of facing my issues head-on. And this wasn’t healthy.

If you ever find yourself using social media as an escape route, take a moment and reflect on Dr. Dyer’s words. Reality might be challenging, but facing it is the first step towards genuine growth and transformation.

7) Ignoring genuine connections

This final behavior struck me as quite counterintuitive, but it was a reality I couldn’t ignore. In my quest for virtual validation, I was overlooking the genuine connections in my life.

I remember being at a family dinner, engrossed in perfecting a photo for my social media, oblivious to the laughter and conversations happening around me.

In a digital world where we’re more connected than ever, we often forget the value of real human connections. But these real-life interactions are what truly enrich our lives and bring us authentic happiness.

So, here’s a practical tip: The next time you’re in a social gathering, resist the urge to instantly share the moment online.

Instead, immerse yourself in the present, engage in conversations, and truly connect with people around you. Social media can wait; real-life moments won’t.

Conclusion

Recognizing these behaviors in yourself can be a tough pill to swallow, but it’s a necessary step towards healthier social media habits.

Remember, the aim isn’t to quit social media, but to use it more mindfully.

Here’s a practical piece of advice: Instead of reaching for a filter the next time you post a photo, challenge yourself to share an unfiltered one. It might feel strange initially, but it’s a small step towards authenticity.

Lastly, remember that your worth is not defined by likes or shares but by who you are as an individual. So don’t just live for the ‘gram, live for yourself.

You’re worth more than any filter can ever portray.