Following Your Hero on Social Media? Get Real!

The common phrase "Never meet your heroes" could be amended for today to read, "Never follow @your_heroes".

Disappointment may await you even online - depending on your expectations, that is.

We know the drawbacks of sharing too many photos, DM mis-slides, that meme [again!] and learning that everyone you went to high school with is apparently now a political pundit... but wait, isn't social media all great otherwise? Especially when it comes to admiring the glamorous lifestyles of the rich and famous?

True, social media gives unprecedented access into the habits and personalities of our idols. But is this seemingly fun look behind the scenes actually detrimental?

Yes.

It's sometimes easy to forget these extremely intelligent/talented/beautiful/athletic/funny/entertaining people are human, too. Surprisingly average beings with some of the same insecurities we possess. How can they live atop the flawless pedestal we fans place them on?

They can't.

Celebrities and other trendsetters we like, follow and subscribe to know the marketing value of cultivating a brand through social media posts – so they open up to give any prospective fan a look. Vicarious voyeurism lends itself a great escape from hum-drum existences of regular Joes like us.

We think: “They have it all: supermodel spouse, huge house, fancy wardrobe, extravagant meals, exotic vacations...” But beyond the splendid smokes and marvelous mirrors, stress and shortcomings do linger.

Any perceived auras of perfection are even easier to shatter with social media relentlessly orbiting the stars.

Sure, we want to know what cool things our favorites are up to; we outsiders even get to feel like VIPs on the inside who can much easier touch our idols. Yet the microscope is especially fine when these stars share status updates, allowing anyone a chance to interact.

To chastise poor grammar. To tease questionable fashion choices. To attack for gaining weight. To question an ignorant opinion.

The criticisms are endless and lead to a lot of holes being shot in bulletproof perceptions.

Here fair-weather fans may lose respect for their heroes – if they see them as infallible gods.

Clearly unrealistic.

If you expect a rose-colored, yellow-brick road to be paved by following your hero’s Instagram, prepare to be let down every time.

Remember why you admire these great souls in the first place and take them for what they are: accomplished [and lucky] individuals with the same emotions and problems you have. View them as beacons of success in a field you enjoy and follow them on social media because they’re relatable people you champion.

P.S. – Please @ me!