Becoming twenty-something is no easy feat. It’s a period when most people have to make crucial decisions that will affect the rest of their lives.
Questions like “what career should I pursue?” “should I remain in this relationship?” or “is this the right time to start a family?” come to the fore. However, as a twenty-something-year-old, one may easily become deceived. In this article, we will discuss two reasons why it’s easy for twenty-something-year-olds to fall for the deception.
Unrealistic Expectations
Twenty-something-year-olds usually have multiple ideas of how they want their lives to turn out, especially concerning their careers, relationships, and financial status.
Society influences most of these expectations by setting up unrealistic benchmarks that are impossible to attain. As a result, young people are pressured into pursuing these unrealistic goals without questioning whether the aim is worth chasing.
Take the issue of social media, for example. The “picture-perfect” representation of people’s lives on Instagram and other social media platforms can create a false sense of success, happiness, and fulfilment.
It’s important to keep in mind that most of these pictures are staged and heavily edited, giving off an impression that all is well in someone’s life when perhaps it isn’t. These unrealistic expectations create a deception that can cause significant damage to a person’s mental health and wellbeing if not well managed.
The Age of FOMO
Another factor that influences the deception of twenty-something-year-olds today is FOMO, otherwise known as the fear of missing out.
It’s the belief that, no matter how happy or content you are, someone somewhere is having more fun, experiencing greater success, or living a more fulfilling life. Social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, amplify and fuel this feeling.
Scrolling through people’s posts on their carefully constructed digital lives can have a debilitating effect, making people feel like they are lagging behind.
It’s essential to remember that social media is a highlight reel, and it doesn’t show the full picture. Many people post only their best moments and put forth the best versions of themselves.
So it’s important not to let FOMO deceive you into thinking you are not enjoying life or not living your best life.
How to Avoid Deception as a Twenty-Something-Year-Old
If you’re a twenty-something-year-old, it is essential to take steps to avoid deception. Here are some of the things you can do:.
Set Attainable Goals
Setting up realistic and achievable goals is vital. Avoid succumbing to societal expectations or putting too much pressure on yourself. Breakdown the ultimate goal into smaller achievable tasks that can inspire growth and progression.
Avoid Comparisons
Try not to compare your life to other people’s lives on social media. Understand that most of these people post their high points and might not show the lows.
Therefore, it would be unrealistic to assume that they don’t go through life’s ups and downs like you do.
Focus on Self-Awareness and Development
Self-awareness is essential to personal growth. It’s the ability to identify what makes you happy and what drains you and to take steps to cater for your mental and physical health. Invest in activities that inspire your self-growth and development.
Connect with Support
Connect with people who will provide you with support and guidance. Establish a healthy support system with people who inspire and uplift you. It could be friends, family, a mentor, a coach, or a therapist.
Limit Social Media
Social media has a significant impact on perceptions and can easily trigger feelings of anxiety and depression. Limit your social media intake if it triggers negative feelings, and find other ways to be productive and entertained.
Conclusion
As a twenty-something-year-old, it can be easy to fall for deception. With unrealistic expectations and feelings of FOMO, it’s essential to take the required steps to keep yourself grounded.
Self-awareness, goal-setting, and connection with support, among other things, can help you avoid the pitfall of deception. Remember, social media is celebrity culture and edited highlights; it never shows you behind the scenes. Finally, always remember that success isn’t a destination but a journey to be enjoyed and savoured.
