With social media ruling so many aspects of our lives, it’s hard to ignore the impact it has on how we see the world and what is considered the norm. Whether you realize it or not, it can dominantly shape what you consider desirable or acceptable. It can influence your career, relationship, or even how you spend your free time.

In many ways, social media acts as a lens (often a distorted one) that only shows you the curated version of people’s lives. It sensationalizes unrealistic behaviors and lifestyles by making them look routine and glamorous, increasing their appeal.

Sometimes, it even makes them seem normal. Endless exposure to highly polished snapshots can distort your sense of what’s practical, making extreme behaviors look ordinary. It creates an illusion that these choices are the standard path everyone must follow. In reality, many of these popularized behaviors aren’t as universal as they seem.

Here are two unhealthy ideas social media has glamorized as normal.

Travel has long been celebrated for its ability to refresh the mind, broaden perspectives, and enhance life satisfaction. Experiencing new places and cultures can spark creativity and foster personal growth. Even short trips or local getaways can provide a mental reset. This allows people to return to their daily routines feeling rejuvenated.

However, social media has changed travel from a personal experience into a public performance. It has contributed to a phenomenon researchers now call “travel dysmorphia,” the feeling that........

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