Other People’s Reels Aren’t Your Standard: Be a Healthy You

 Aisyah Dewi Safitri (30802400051)

Have you ever been just chilling out, opened reels for a second, and before you knew it, it was midnight? On your screen, your friend is on vacation out of town, a classmate is posting a photo of a medal from a competition, and there’s an upperclassman with a “glow up” that leaves you speechless. And you? Today, you just went to school, came home, and did your homework. Without realizing it, a thought pops into your head “Why is my life always the same?” That feeling is totally normal. But if left unchecked, the habit of comparing ourselves on social media can make us anxious and feel like we’re not good enough.

Why does this happen? Because what we see online is just the end result, not the long process behind it. We often don’t know the effort that goes into a post that looks cool. A photo of an outfit that looks effortless might actually be the result of dozens of shots and careful filter selection. A polished “study with me” video might just be the best clips edited from hours of boring footage. So, when you compare your life to other people’s posts, you’re actually comparing your daily routine to their best moments.

This pressure feels even more intense during adolescence. According to Imran Pambudi, Director of Health Services for Vulnerable Groups at the Ministry of Health, the human brain doesn’t fully mature until around the age of 20. Before that, the brain is still developing, so it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between what’s real and what’s just an online facade. As a result, the number of likes, followers, or the image of a “perfect” life on screen is all too easily taken as a measure of self-worth. Regarding adolescent mental health, data from the Free Health Checkup program through July 2026 shows that 34,961 schoolchildren and adolescents were recorded as having depression. This figure serves as a reminder that mental health is a serious issue.

So, let’s start taking control, beginning with the little things. Remember that not everything you see on the screen is real. It’s really important to limit your screen time, especially before bed. If there’s an account that makes you feel insecure, don’t hesitate to unfollow or mute it, and replace it with content that brings you peace. If anxiety or sadness starts to interfere with your daily life, don’t keep it to yourself. Talk to someone you trust, like a parent, teacher, or school counselor. If necessary, seek professional help as well.

Ultimately, your life isn’t a competition against other people’s Reels. Everyone has a different starting line, path, and set of challenges. Other people’s success doesn’t mean you’ve failed. You don’t need to be someone else. Just be a healthy and happy version of yourself, and that’s more than enough.