Written by Oliver Nibbelink
Social media is often perceived as a tool for connection, self-expression and creativity for many young people. However, lurking beneath the curated feeds and polished posts is a darker phenomenon—bragging and showing off. The nature of bragging on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and others is more than just an annoyance, it can be a contributor to insecurity, anxiety, and a distorted sense of reality for countless users.
Social media bragging can be harmful because it often creates an unrealistic picture of people’s lives. This leads to unhealthy comparisons and feelings of inadequacy. Constantly showcasing achievements or possessions can come across as insincere and attention-seeking, which can strain relationships and foster resentment. Bragging shifts focus away from genuine connection and authenticity, turning social media into a space of competition rather than community.
Bragging doesn’t just affect those who scroll past it, it also reshapes the digital landscape, making it harder for users to find genuine content or support.
This can unravel into deeper issues like anxiety and depression, particularly among younger users who are still forming their sense of self-worth.
Freshman Shealynn DeVries has experienced insecurities that can stem from people showing off on social media.
“How [people on social media] look with their bodies and just stuff they have with them posting is a bad influence,” DeVries said.
For DeVries, seeing such posts can lead to feelings of inadequacy.
“It can make me and others feel insecure about themselves,” DeVries said.
Social media has become a breeding ground for unrealistic comparisons. Sophomore Alice Czechowskyj points out that it encourages behavior people might not exhibit in real life, causing people to act fake online.
“I think social media gives people a lot of confidence through their screen rather than confidence in person,” Czechowskyj said.
Online bragging leads to unhealthy competition, where validation is measured in likes and views rather than genuine connections. Czechowskyj feels that the consequences of social media bragging aren’t limited to fleeting moments of envy. They can distort priorities and decision-making.
“Sometimes people make decisions based on how many views they’re gonna get rather than the rational decision,” Czechowskyj said.
Experts warn that excessive bragging online may be doing more harm than good. “Why People Should Stop Bragging on Social Media,” written by Utpal Dholakia explains how such behavior online often fosters unhealthy comparisons.
“Excessive bragging on social media reinforces harmful social comparisons, leaving others feeling inadequate or unworthy,” Dholakia said.
The effects aren’t limited to the audience. The act of boasting can also backfire on the person posting the content.
“Bragging often makes the boaster appear inauthentic and self-serving, reducing their credibility and likeability,” Dholakia said.
This suggests that attempts to boost one’s image can inadvertently damage how others perceive them. Moreover, the tone of many boastful posts may alienate followers.
“The hyperbole in many social media posts comes across as tone-deaf and disrespectful to the audience, amplifying negative perceptions of the poster.”
Ultimately, the power to change the narrative lies with us as users. By prioritizing authenticity over vanity and focusing on building real-life connections, we can create a more uplifting and inclusive digital environment. Let’s resist the urge to glorify perfection and embrace the imperfect, messy reality that makes us human.
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