Instagram: Reel vs Real – Are We Living for the Camera or Ourselves?

By Dr.Anindita Dey

Introduction

In today’s hyper-visual world, Instagram has become more than just an app—it’s a stage. While Reels showcase the glossy, edited side of life, the “real” side often stays hidden behind filters and captions. This duality is shaping how Gen Z perceives happiness, success, and even self-worth.The Reel WorldCurated perfection: exotic travel, flawless skin, dreamy cafés.Trends drive content: everything from transitions to “aesthetic” lifestyles.Reels thrive on entertainment but risk promoting unrealistic expectationsThe Real WorldBehind the lens: unwashed dishes, late-night overthinking, job rejections.Mental health impact: constant comparison with filtered realities.Some Gen Z creators now embrace authenticity—showing bloopers, struggles, or “day-in-the-life without filters.”Why the Gap MattersCreates “comparison fatigue” and FOMO.Pushes young people to spend more for a picture-perfect life.Yet, real stories connect more deeply—people crave honesty in a filtered world.

Conclusion

Instagram Reels may sparkle, but reality holds the weight of authenticity. As Gen Z learns to balance both, the mantra is simple: post the highlight, but live the whole story.





Anindita Dey

Dr. Anindita Dey is a researcher, writer, and media scholar from Shillong, Meghalaya, with a keen interest in film studies, new media, print and television journalism, and cultural studies. She recently completed her Ph.D. in Journalism and Mass Communication from Assam Royal Global University, where her research explored the intersections of media, relationships, and cultural narratives. Her academic journey has been marked by excellence, including a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with 92.3% and the Dean’s Lister Award (2019) for academic achievement. Dr. Dey’s published works span diverse areas—from queer narratives in Indian cinema and digital misinformation to influencer marketing, Facebook’s impact on marital bonds, and cinema consumption patterns in urban India. She has also contributed a book chapter on new media and Assamese wedding rituals, and has presented papers at international conferences, including MAHE Dubai and Mizoram University. Beyond academics, she has professional experience with East Mojo and internships with Doordarshan Shillong and the Muskurahat Foundation, where she honed her skills in production, post-production, and social outreach. Her interests extend into the arts as well—having trained in Rabindra Nritya, Rabindra Sangeet, and Kathak dance—which reflect her deep-rooted love for culture and performance. Dr. Dey continues to explore how media, culture, and technology shape human experiences, while also contributing actively to academic, social, and cultural discourses.

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