While I commend this young woman on speaking out and bringing the news that everything you see should not be believed, I also find it sad that so many prior didn’t already figure this out? ‘Don’t believe everything you see’ is a phrase that’s been used since tv was invented. She happily accepted the money and fame for what she did and now she regrets it. It’s easy to get swept up in it all, and for some getting a new follower is a contact high and a means of feeling valued among peers.

Essena O’Neill Quits Social Media

When I accept brands to promote or money from a company I am smart about it and make sure they align with my core values and guess what? Ask any celebrity, model, actress and they will tell you the smiles are for the camera too. That doesn’t mean you can’t run a meaningful and fulfilling blog without being miserable.

The money from social media brand promotion puts a roof over my head and food on my table. I’m a decent writer and take pretty good photos (rarely using photoshop)

I am a makeup artist, so receiving free product is actually an investment in my business and my partnership with companies for these products forges relationships to get my name out in the professional world-beyond just Instagram ‘fame.’

Social media. It’s a great tool when used properly and young kids need to be shown reality vs. social media constructs of real life for sure. Our youth are impressionable and no doubt hungry for attention and brands have always targeted the ones with disposable income to buy their products -Ooh shiny thing! This isn’t a new concept but with smartphones today, escaping the false advertising and the idea of a ‘perfect life’ is in their pockets and faces 24/7 anytime they log in to social media. Parents need to limit and monitor social media/internet usage. The fact that she was 16 when it all began is a whole other issue.

I’m glad she’s shedding more light on the issue, she’s not the first to speak out about it and won’t be the last. Please educate yourselves and your children. I however, plan to continue to use social media Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and the like to responsibly promote myself and my business. Follow me!