On Normality in the Digital World
There’s one word that everyone who frequently uses social media inevitably encounters: “normal.” We hear and see it so often now that we’ve almost forgotten our own version of normal.
What is normal? What is abnormal? According to whom, by what standard? If our own experiences, preferences, or even feelings don’t fit this “normal” mold, we’ve become afraid to speak up in social circles or elsewhere.
I want to address this topic under three main headings: Relationships, Body, and Health.
Relationships
Perhaps the most common content on social media is about human relationships. Not only romantic ones, but also family, friendship, and even work relationships are constantly bombarded with “how it should be” messages.
For example, one content creator might say, “A woman should always cook in a relationship, while the man only takes care of financial matters,” whereas another says, “A woman should never handle it alone; duties must be shared.” Or if a man and woman make such statements, people often generalize by assuming “they must do it that way.”
Maybe it’s a topic for another article, but I believe relationships shouldn’t have such rigid boundaries. Life is already stressful enough with work, family, friends, or personal issues… We may not always have the time or energy to maintain that “ideal” division of labor. Or over time, societal norms might start to feel overwhelming for one partner.
Some might say, “But the viewer is an adult and doesn’t have to believe everything they hear.” Yes, that’s true; however, people eventually start questioning what they see constantly: “Is it really like that?” “Would it be better this way?” These questions multiply. Moreover, if someone sees such content while they are sad or angry, the impact can be even greater.
Recently popular trends like “Things that seem strange to everyone else but normal to us” reflect the core of this article well. However, I think this trend also increases comparisons in relationships.
Having different opinions is of course good and provides diversity. But is it acceptable for every content creator to present their views as “absolute truth”? Given these many different opinions, what should a “normal relationship” look like? I believe the answer isn’t as clear as we think.
Given all this, finding a common definition for relationships is becoming increasingly difficult.
Body
I also think the concept of “normal” is quite problematic when it comes to body image. I’m not a dietitian, but everyone has different body mass indexes, heights, strength levels, and lifestyles. Social media acts as if these differences don’t exist.
Our real bodies are so devalued that people start resenting their own bodies. Photoshop on photos, heavy filters, hours-long cosmetic surgeries… Of course, everyone has the freedom to do what they want with their own body. But I believe social media’s influence is very strong in some cosmetic procedures. Non-experts sharing diet plans or promoting “products that make you lose weight” complicate this even further.
Again, one could say, “People can use their own judgment and not be affected.” But social media is not always used consciously or only by people over 18. Especially young people and children feel the pressure of this one-size-fits-all beauty standard much more. Some postpone cosmetic surgeries due to family or age reasons and make peace with their bodies; others grow up with lingering insecurities and decide to have cosmetic surgery when the time comes.
Health
The concept of “normal” in health can also be shaped by social media. At one point, there was a trend claiming “drinking detox water every day is normal,” while at another time, messages like “You won’t have energy without this supplement” spread. Especially when influencers share product links with phrases like “You can’t be healthy without this,” it causes people to question their own health beliefs. Products with unclear content or skin care recommendations pose a serious problem in health matters.
Health may not be the same for everyone. For one person, getting up at 6 am to jog may be normal, but for another, that pace is impossible. Yet social media pushes a single healthy lifestyle mold without considering these differences. This leads people to doubt their own bodies and needs.
For example, an influencer saying “Intermittent fasting is normal” might encourage someone with high blood pressure or diabetes to try it, which can sometimes have unwanted consequences.
I believe there is no universal standard for “normal health.” True health is not about trends; it’s about listening to your own body and mind and finding what works for you.
Conclusion
Social media constantly redefines the concept of “normal.” From relationships to body image, health to daily habits, it offers a one-size-fits-all “right” way. But let’s remember: normal varies from person to person. What truly matters are not the molds imposed by others but your own experiences, needs, and values.