Are you one of Facebook’s 1.13 billion daily users? Do you find it hard to resist posting a cheeky photo of a raucous night out, or an amazing activity that you and some mates got up to over the holidays? Do you like catching up on what antics your old school friends are up to?
If yes… think back to the last time that you scrolled through your friends’ Walls – were there any pictures of them chilling at home, or enjoying doing something that wasn’t a huge adrenaline rush?
In our more rational moments, we know that someone’s Facebook profile isn’t the full story of their life, but at times, it can be difficult to sort out the fact from the fiction. It can also sometimes be difficult to remind ourselves that people can have ‘down-time’ too, and just because their Wall is full of happy, smiling, party images, it doesn’t mean to say that they don’t also occasionally miss home / their old friends / crave a duvet day / enjoy doing things that don’t involve a 2am bed-time or copious amounts of alcohol.
During the first few weeks of university, there can be a lot of pressure to go out, or be ‘seen’ to be constantly up for social events. After a while, this can take a toll on your pocket, not to mention your energy levels. You don’t need to constantly go out to make new friends, many of the best nights in are spontaneous; sharing a cuppa and chat, binge watching a box-set, skyping an old friend. Or why not arrange a bring-and-share flat meal, try out a new exercise class, have a board-game challenge, or have a pamper party?
Student Minds are running a campaign to encourage people, to post pictures on Facebook or Twitter of them enjoying a great night in and reclaiming social media. Why not take part?
