Social media has become a huge part of our modern life that the most percentage of the world's population especially the youth can't do without platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok let us share updates, keep memory photos and videos while connecting with friends, family, colleagues and even strangers or fans for the celebs, but they also open our lives up to instant judgment by our audience, This brings about the question: should we assess someone’s character and worth based solely on their social media presence?

_{Image edited using canva}

On the surface, it might be tempting to draw bold conclusions about people from their online personas alone. For instance, my cousin who is a barrister and also a passionate upcoming actress has her feeds and stories showcase non-stop partying from events and even sets she is expected to be at due to her line of job, but that might signal recklessness or immaturity to some people that don't know her, I've even seen some stranger slut shaming her on her comment section, that makes me realize how those top celebrities feel when they are being trolled. If she wasn't someone that I know personally, I probably would have felt the same way and judged an honest hardworking lady, even though I would never troll someone's comment section.

The truth is, our social media channels never tell the whole story, no matter how “real” influencers try to come across. Personally, though I'm not really a social media addict, but when I choose to share a part of my life on social media, they are mostly my best moments, I choose to reveal what I want you to see, not my whole being for you to conclude that you know me. What people choose to broadcast is often a carefully picked highlight reel showcasing their best moments, which might not even be their real selves, perfectly filtered pictures, AI tools even make it more realistic these days, most times people share more fiction than fact. Who knows what struggles they face behind the scenes.

While social media profiles provide glimpses into someone’s interests, beliefs, and aesthetics, it’s arrogant to believe we truly know anyone based on the details provided by them, as most are likely to be false, not all though, and no one is perfect, as they say, don’t judge a book by its cover. Instead of attacking others online for every problematic post, we might see them as fellow imperfect beings needing positive influences, not just criticism. Compassion goes much further in enlightening than judgment does.

Next time you’re tempted to draw strong conclusions about someone’s character over a picture, meme or crude story shared on apps, pause. Consider how you would feel if permanently labeled by online mistakes without context of your full humanity. While social content isn’t completely irrelevant, treat it as just one faulty filter through which to understand others’ complexities. Meet people with open-mindedness to see diverse viewpoints as opportunities. And focus more on adding light to the world than casting judgement from glass houses.

See profiles more as creative projects in progress rather than definitive assessments of worth. And pursue more real connection offline, not just filtered interaction through screens.In this genZ era where most people are obsessed with impressions, likes, and external validation, maintaining perspective is key. Judge less, embrace more. Character reveals itself fully through how people treat others face-to-face, not just face-to-face book.

Thank you for reading.