By Sierra Pepin,
Social media can be an unhealthy escape in the slow, and
sometimes sad, days of post-college. In fact, as transitions can be,
post-college is a quieter and difficult moment. When I scrape up peace of mind
in this confusing pause, I think about what the old me can teach the new me. I
remember that while social media can be a fantasy, it can also be my refuge.
Sixteen and 17-year-old me needed the safe space of the
Internet. I remember laying across my queen-sized bed, in my small bedroom
scrolling, scrolling, scrolling. I was in high school and in my first (and
only, thank God) toxic relationship. One of my close friends had passed away. I
wasn't okay. Through my Tumblr account, I found the music, the community, the
blogs, that gave me escape. Through Tumblr, I found the language to recognize
emotional and mental harm. My blog started as a place to fawn over One
Direction and re-blog pretty pictures of Black people. However, it became my
introduction to feminist language, think-pieces, and social justice. Teenagers
and twenty-somethings taught me in ways the formal education system would not.
I went into college more authentic because of it.
In college and after it, Tumblr faded from my life and
Instagram took over. In between feeling whole, and knowing I had so much to
learn, I found so many inspiring Black women on IG. In between the fun of the
'gram - vacation pics and #relationshipgoals - were people sharing stories that
our society begs us to never mention. I have read captions, bits of wisdom, and
testimonies about fearlessness, traumatic birthing experiences, trying to
conceive, workplace racism, career risks, divorce, and loss. They shared the
grown folks' business you don't get to understand until it happens to you. The
ugliness and honesty of people’s lives taught me that crap gets rough. Still,
there’s hope and healing. That makes me breathe a little easier.
The people who share so candidly on the Internet don’t owe
me anything. And I have my limits – I can’t empathize with my entire timeline.
However, those real posts that make you look at you, to think or check
yourself, are worth a thumb scroll pause. It helped me navigate through my
teens. It’s helping me navigate my 20’s. Through authenticity about the ugly
parts of life, I found salvation in some places; and guidance and accountability
in others. In some corners of the Internet, you can learn that it's in our
everyday lives that we try to be perfect - not always our online ones.
Six Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@halfietruths - https://www.instagram.com/halfietruths/
@shishi.rose - https://www.instagram.com/shishi.rose/
@valencia_valencia -
https://www.instagram.com/valencia_valencia/
@ihartericka - https://www.instagram.com/ihartericka/
@charmsie - https://www.instagram.com/charmsie/
@alex_elle - https://www.instagram.com/alex_elle/
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