Self(ie) validation

I open up Instagram. My thumb drags upward along the screen. I see a photo of an extended arm, a smiling face, and an incredibly low neckline. My thumb makes the same motion, but now I see a tan body exposed for all those on social media to ogle. Why do people feel the need to pose scantily clad in a photo? Is it because the individuals are narcissistic? Or do the younger people of this generation feel it’s morally acceptable to declothe and photograph themselves?

There has been a saddening demoralization of society over the decades. Women have been materialized to sell products with sex appeal and we’ve allowed it because we have introduced it through commercials, music, movies, and other forms of media.

But these issues are not limited to women. Advertisements promote products featuring oiled up men with scowls that can make anyone swoon. Consequently, men all over Instagram post their shirtless gym pics to exhibit their progress towards this standard.

Young people are growing up to find that to be relevant in society, they must undress and show more to “get more likes,” as if these likes are a direct representation of their worth.

Semi nudity and hints of sex appeal are not the answer. Classiness is timeless. Look at Audrey Hepburn, remembered for her beauty, gracefulness and her modest fashion sense. Fast forward to today; you don’t see Kate Middleton posting daily photos of her face, or anything remotely close to the indecency the average young adult sees on their social networking feed. Kim Kardashian, on the other hand, flaunts her gifts without shame.

Having class and a sense of modesty is the most desirable characteristic anyone can possess, along with a hunger to care about the world and its happenings rather than obsessing over what people think of them. I am not saying that posting a selfie is morally wrong but people have to take into consideration what they are posting and the image they are exuding. In a world where friendships are digitalized, people analyze character based on someone’s photos.

Once you have revealed yourself, it cannot be undone. Communication is irreversible and photos get stored on servers for years, even if it is deleted from devices. People should take caution in what they say about themselves through picture form.

Who cares about the likes? What is exposing private areas doing for people besides giving them the temporary hour of fame before that picture disappears into the abyss of seemingly forgotten photos? Absolutely nothing besides labeling the person as an attention whore. So next time you post a photo, ask yourself: Am I representing myself in a way that I am proud of?

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