Instagram vs Reality: Making space for realistic content on perfectly manicured social media

While content creators often set high standards, some are using the Instagram vs Reality trend to show that it is okay to be imperfect.

In the dynamic world of social media, trends change every minute. However, some trends are impactful enough to stay for a long time and make you ponder. For instance, many times social media trends are used for activism or to educate or inform. A trend called 'Instagram vs Reality' has similarly been impactful enough as it raises valid questions about the 'perfection' culture of Instagram. What started as a platform for sharing photos of coffee dates is now home to perfectly manicured photos where houses look like mansions and people look like they live happily with their makeup on 24x7. While creators are often accused of setting unreasonable standards of living, there are some who do not shy away from accepting their true selves. Many are taking the Instagram vs Reality trend and are using their content to show that it is okay to be imperfect.

Sheenam Gautam is a cancer research student in Germany and a digital creator. Back in India, she believed that moving abroad meant partying, traveling to beautiful countries and more. While it is true, fun makes up only 5% of her life in Germany. Sheenam says, "By design, Instagram capitalizes on our biological drive to belong, compare, and relate. The heavily staged photos and videos create unrealistic expectations. When I began my journey as an international student, I realized my responsibility to show the reality of living abroad. My content shows the loneliness, homesickness, and anxiety that international students face." She calls Instagram "the pinned reel of our lives". "This trend is a great way to remind people that whatever we see on social media is a highly curated version of our lives. For every perfect photo or aesthetic Reel, there are several edited versions and retakes that only the creator knows of," she adds.

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A post shared by Sheenam In Germany (@sheenamgautam)

Instagram vs Reality has been the favorite social media trend for Disha Goyal, a women's fashion and fitness influencer since she joined Instagram in 2018. While she agrees that Instagram creates an illusion of a perfect lifestyle, she also asks, "But who doesn’t want picture-perfect moments?" "Everyone wishes, but only a few get to do it. However, through the Instagram vs Reality trend, we can always show the reality behind the scenes. I started it by showing behind-the-scenes in my stories. Whenever I do LIVE sessions, I try to look subtle with no makeup; I just talk to my audience the way I am. It’s super cool to interact without any masks," she says. 

Anindita Roy aka ThePlusGirl, a plus-size fashion/ body positivity influencer says, "Not just Instagram, but all social media platforms are far from reality. I know of couples who always post happy pictures. However, when you meet them, you know that they are going through a rough patch. It cannot be a rosy picture all the time. Aap dusro ko ek galat picture de rahe ho na. Social media aur apni real life ko alag alag mat dikhaiye." Additionally, she says "I think my content over the years has talked about real situations and what my life is like. I shared my experience whenever I gained or lost weight, whenever I had a heartbreak or when I lost my mother. We are real people and we need to talk about real situations."

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A post shared by Anindita Roy (@theplusgirl)

While it is indeed necessary to create realistic content, is it easy to showcase it online? How do you make space for realistic as well as fun content? Disha says, "It is very difficult to show everything as a lot goes on behind the scenes. However, we can always try to make more content that shows what goes behind that one reel of 15 seconds". While Sheenam's Reels include educational content, her Instagram stories reflect her daily life. She tries to show her work, exam, course, travel, and university routine through her stories. Additionally, frequent Q&A, LIVE sessions, and polls help her connect to her audience.

Also, while we demand accountability from creators, as the audience, we too need to keep an open mind. Recalling her personal experience, Anindita says, "Once a follower texted me, "You can't control your emotions and you keep crying." I replied, "Yes. I have the guts to show my emotions." Also, it is my profile; I decide what to share. It has been a year since I lost my mother and I still cry. Every person takes their time to grieve. I might have less number of followers as per Instagram standards, but I am very happy because they are real, they are dedicated."

Sheenam adds, "There are creators trying to showcase their lives as they are. However, one cannot put everything online due to the fear of judgment. The audience also has to appreciate such content. We all need to do better. My audience has welcomed my content without any judgment as I have created a safe space for discussing their worries about moving abroad."

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A post shared by Disha Goyal (@dishagoyalofficial)

Hence, as audiences, we too need to be the change. We need to not judge people for being real or vulnerable. Instead, we need to favour realistic content.

What are your thoughts about the Instagram vs Reality trend? Tell us in the comments below!