Travel Photos: Social Media vs. Reality

Have you ever taken a photo that you think will look cool, but in fact turns out to be the most embarrassing thing ever? This happens to me all the time.

Today I wanted to discuss about how we approach social media, and how we all shape the way others perceive us online. I think we can agree that we tend to only post the best aspects of our lives on the web. This helps us tell the world a story, inspire others, increase our self esteem, and ultimately feel better about ourselves. I got so fascinated by this subject, and the possibilities that social media offer, that I actually wrote my Master’s thesis on this topic (click here if you’re curious).

I recently discussed with a friend and told him I find it scary to truly open up online. I feel like once the information is out there, it’s there forever and there’s no going back. It’s scary and it opens the door to criticism, and judgement. When I go back home, I receive lots of comments regarding the fact that my travel photos look really nice, and that I have a baller life. Don’t get me wrong, I love my life and the trips I made are pretty unbelievable, but what social media doesn’t tell you is that it’s not always "picture perfect", even during the most wonderful moments.

To prove my point, I wanted to show you what some my coolest photos actually look like.

Ready?