One of my colleagues, Reem, has made the courageous decision to pursue her dream of moving to Australia. While I’m genuinely happy for her, her absence will leave a void. Though we weren’t as close as some of my other colleagues, her presence in the office will be sorely missed. What I’ll miss the most is her insightful guidance on mental health. Despite being the same age as me, she exudes a sense of maturity and groundedness that I deeply value.

One thing that has stuck with me recently from our conversation is her approach to social media. I expressed my concern about how to stay connected with her since she doesn’t use Instagram (which is my go-to for seeing people’s photos and daily lives). She explained that she avoids Instagram to protect her peace. I then suggested Twitter and TikTok, but she doesn’t have those either. This led me to ponder, could this be why I feel so overwhelmed? I’m active on nearly every social platform, and the media unquestionably influences how I see myself.

I believe a significant part of my body-related concerns arise from the individuals I encounter online. They often portray unattainable body and beauty ideals, which profoundly affect my psyche. It feels incessant, with perfect physiques and flawless visages inundating every corner, crafting a mirage of the ideal appearance. The constant comparison to these unachievable standards is draining, and it’s challenging to internalize that these depictions are often heavily manipulated and curated. Nevertheless, the impact on my self-worth is undeniable, and it’s a constant effort to reaffirm that beauty encompasses a diverse range of forms.

So the question I ask myself is, should I protect my peace by deleting social media?