Algorithm vs Reality

In the world of Instagram it's easy to get swept away by the endless scroll of reels and posts. Every swipe seems to reflect a piece of ourselves, as if the app were a modern day mirror confirming our thoughts, feelings, and identity. But here's the thing, it's not. The reels that pop up on your feed aren't some cosmic alignment of your life, they are algorithms at work. Yet, countless people find themselves relating deeply to content, convinced it speaks to their soul, their struggles and their story.

This tendency to see ourselves in everything we consume online isn’t just misguided, it’s limiting. When we start to believe that every inspirational quote, every lifestyle hack, and every emotional reel is about us, we fall into the trap of self-centered thinking. It’s a narrow view of the world, where we bend everything to fit our personal narrative, often without realizing just how absurd that is.

Think about it thousands, if not millions, of people see the same posts you do. Do all of them share your exact story? Do they all relate to that vague, feel-good quote in the same way? The answer is a resounding no. The truth is, much of what we perceive as personal relevance is just clever marketing or pure coincidence.

It’s easy to forget that Instagram is a business, and its primary goal is to keep you engaged. The posts that you think are speaking directly to you are simply the result of complex algorithms designed to show you what you’re likely to engage with. It's not some profound connection, it's a product of data science.

So, the next time you catch yourself relating too deeply to a reel or a post, take a step back. Ask yourself, "Is this really about me, or am I just seeing what I want to see?" The difference between the two is crucial. It's the difference between living in a world that constantly validates your every thought and one where you’re open to diverse experiences and perspectives.

In the end, it’s not about invalidating your feelings, it's about facing reality. Instagram might offer a fleeting glimpse of who you are, but it should never dictate your identity. Stop reducing yourself to a few seconds of superficial content. There's more to life than the empty validation of an algorithm driven scroll. Don’t let a social media feed define your worth.