Social media has gone in an interesting circle. We went from the Instagram heyday of flawlessly filtered (and often altered) photos to a backlash movement that demands we keep it unwaveringly "real." Popular hashtags like #nofilter and #nomakeup encourage us to reveal and even flaunt our flaws — or, in some cases, low-key brag about the fact that we happen to be perfect anyway.
But does what we post to social media really have to represent reality? Not necessarily, according to a recent Instagram post by "Star Wars" actress Daisy Ridley. According to Ridley, the problem isn't the filter, but the unrealistic expectations it creates.
"My skin isn't great so I don't post no make up selfies, much as I'd like to," she wrote alongside a comically over-filtered, hyper-made-up selfie. "I have a trainer urging me on in workouts and don't include all the times I say 'I can't do it'.
"I don't smile all the time but I like to share the pictures where I am."
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She insists that she isn't immune to or embarrassed by the tough times, but the good ones are the ones she likes to share.
"I actually do love myself, I try to think good thoughts always and am surrounded by the most wonderful people," she added. "So I'm keeping it balanced (like the Force, obvs)."
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Obvs. We agree that there's no need to post it all, but this conversation is important — especially for the young demographic that often rules these platforms. It can be easy to forget that we're seeing the highlight reel of someone's life, not the whole reality.