Everybody's Doing It.

Perhaps, the topic that I ponder most in the Social Media driven world that we live in is: what is authentic these days? Social Media allows us to have so much control over what we want to share with the world and what we don't want to share with the world. Our lives can be what we create. In the year 2018, are we just that? What we have created from a social media perspective?

I planned on doing an overnight backpacking trip yesterday, but ended up turning around because I felt under the weather. Paul (my other half) and I just bought a DSLR camera and he has been enjoying taking pictures with it. I'm not one who is ever very good at modeling or pretending to look pretty. I am usually pretty awkward and prefer that if photos are to be taken that they are taken in a moment where I am unaware.

As we walked down the trail back to the car, I couldn't help but notice the Instagramers of the world that were around me. A woman in the stereotypical dress laying in an meadow (ummm, thanks, but that isn't very LNT friendly) posing for her boyfriend's iPhone. A girl who couldn't be more than 14 being told to pop her booty while what seemed to be her mom snapped a shot. We all have found ourselves in these situations, trying to get the most perfect shot.

I can't help but wondering if we are losing touch of reality. Last week, I read an article on how all Instagram photos are starting to look the same. That got me to thinking about the people whose platforms I have watched grow. Their pictures do all start to blend in. A back of a head with hair flowing in the mountains, classic butt shot posed at an alpine lake, the tent view, and the shows dangling over a killer view.

When did we lose sight of who we are as individuals and feel the need to put ourselves in these cookie cutter molds? Another thing, when did people start defining themselves at "Public Figures"? Girl, you ain't no Oprah, get over yourself. I know that what I am saying may sound a little harsh.

Another pet peeve, people who all of a sudden think they are superior to the general public. You think you are #liveauthentic because you post pictures just like the millions of other people on the gram? It was luck and your ability to market yourself a little bit better than the general public. It is not classy to make fun of others and be a mean girl. Enjoy your 15 minutes, Instagram today, something else tomorrow.

The world of social media has changed rapidly over the past few years, the increase of missing/injured hikers has been attributed by the increase of Instagram's popularity according to SAR. People are seeing these amazing locations and wanting to get their shot for the 'gram. Often putting people out of their comfort zone and ability level. The Leave No Trace Principles now includes not Geotagging your location because of damage to trails.

There are lots of great things about Instagram and social media. The ability to connect to people that you never would have been able to in the past. The fact that some people have found sponsorships and paychecks with their successful ability to market themselves. But Social Media is a fast growing addiction. We are glued to are screens morning, noon, and night.

I'm not sure how to even touch on this subject for myself. I feel strongly about getting the message out about Mental Health Awareness and other topics I feel are important. I'll make no secret of the fact that my small amount of followers has helped me get some pretty sweet perks with merchandise. Most importantly, it has helped me to reach others who have felt alone and struggled with depression, body issues, and anxiety. I would rather have one person realize they are not alone in their struggles than a pair of free skis or sunglasses.

But to keep up with the times, I have started my own "website".

Everybody's doing it.

To all you originals out there. I see you, and I dig it.