Social Media Influencer Brilliantly Presents the Differences Between Real Life and Instagram
The difference is remarkable.
Instagram can make everyday life look polished, effortless, and a little too perfect. But one Amsterdam vlogger is showing just how different a post can look once the camera stops trying so hard.
Rianne Meijer has built a following by pairing her glossy social media shots with the more realistic versions behind them. The side-by-side images are funny, relatable, and a reminder that even the best online moments usually take a few tries.
Her latest comparisons make the gap between real life and Instagram hard to ignore.
Out and about
Over the last decade, people have become increasingly obsessed with fame and popularity, especially online. With this obsession comes a wave of individuals presenting their best versions of themselves. While this may enhance the image and “brand” they wish to project, it ultimately damages others' perception of reality, resulting in people aspiring to a life that technically doesn’t exist.
Rianne MeijerDriving along
Rianne MeijerOn the street
These images beautifully illustrate how different realistic images are from those that have been staged, light-balanced, color-adjusted, and angled in a particular way to convey a look that is socially considered perfect.
Rianne Meijer
With the dog
Rianne Meijer
That is a brilliant smile
Recently, Instagram has made a move to reduce the focus on popularity by removing the like counter from images, so people cannot compare their lives to those of others as much.
Rianne Meijer
The contrast gets funnier with every photo.
The photo on the right is so relatable.
Rianne Meijer
How most people look in their downtime
Rianne Meijer
At a cafe
Rianne Meijer
Getting some sun
Rianne Meijer
Looks stunning in either image
Rianne Meijer
The lighting difference alone is remarkable.
Rianne Meijer
Even the most polished shot has a behind-the-scenes version.
Watching the sunset
Rianne Meijer
This also echoes the dilemma in a request to film a sister’s pregnancy announcement for social media clout.
With the flowers
Rianne Meijer
On the water
Rianne Meijer
Day out
Rianne Meijer
A relaxing day out
Rianne Meijer
Having a laugh
Rianne Meijer
Covering up
Rianne Meijer
Fun in the sun
Rianne Meijer
Puppy love
Rianne Meijer
A true selfie
Rianne Meijer
Having a coffee
Rianne Meijer
Meal at a diner
Rianne Meijer
Afternoon on the town
Rianne Meijer
That awkward real-life angle is doing a lot of work here.
How most photos like this turn out.
Rianne Meijer
Catching some rays
Rianne Meijer
Eating pizza
Rianne Meijer
At the beach
Rianne Meijer
Eating a sub
Rianne Meijer
Hanging out
Rianne Meijer
It is a simple joke, but it lands because everyone recognizes it.
What do you think of this story? Do you modify aspects of your life for social media posts?
Want a real-life reset after Instagram fantasies? Read how she survived 50 days without doomscrolling.
