#it's called editing photos and creating an unrealistic item

[ru-star]

Okay, I read this and have never related to anything more in my life. I'm glad OP is living a more happy (While still depressed, I felt that sugar) Mature life, Id like to add my own opinion into this if I may.

While the original post was from 3 years ago over an Instagram Harry Potter influencer Starbucks drink, and some poor sap thinking that the drink was good but turns out the recipe was bad on itself, I’d like to add to this in my own opinion based on what I have read in this post.

If you, or anyone you know tries to make this sorta thing without the knowledge of how Starbucks or that specific Job/industry works, please don't try to post something you think is good for others to try, when in reality it’s just a waist of time or money.

$10 for a syrup-filled drink isn't something I'd be willing to pay for as a customer tbh. That alone is a hell no for me. I'd rather pay for 2 tall boba drinks with jelly boba that's $15 than a coffee-filled syrup mess.

This is like, if a person being depressed tried to talk to someone based on how their feeling depressed, and that person ends up saying “Than just don't be depressed��� or “Just be happy” is like an ultimate slap to the face to the person who just tried to get comfort and or help before it got to the point of Self harm or Suicide.

Now, I worked in daycare as both a teacher's Aid, and as a Teacher, and I know that if someone, who has never worked with children, or even has children, let alone babysat kids, tries to tell me how to do something a certain way, even if I've already tried that or know it won't work, would ultimately piss me off to no end, especially if they kept pushing that thing onto me.

Ultimately what I'm saying is, if you know a drink that's simple to make that others would enjoy, post and share it! There's no harm in it, but if you're trying to make something like what OP had said in their post 3 years ago over an Influencers post on a cute Starbucks-themed drink who may or may not have zero knowledge of how the hell Starbucks even works, then please, save everybody some time and effort and don't post that shit for others to try. It's like tempting a toddler to eat a bag full of Typods by leaving it out and opened for them to reach.

If you wanted to make your own theme with a full ‘how-to-do’ step-by-step on the making and receiving process, you also gotta have if not at least different types of milk options as everything you use depends on a personal taste.

Say person A likes their drinks sweet, but person B doesn't. Say they both saw it and make it like the recipe says by said influencer. While Person A likes it and it fits their pallet, Peraon B might be lactose and ends up in a form of pain bc and or in the bathroom bc of how sweet it is along with the milk. And anyone who can't drink actual milk, myself included, knows that even just a glass of that shit can make you run for the hills very quickly if you don't use a different type of milk like Almond or 2% Milk.

Its better to have different options for different types of recipes, and yes I know that not a lotta people are willing to go the extra step and try this out with different things, and just wanna make it once and call it a day, yet honestly I find those influencers who do that to be amazing and who actually care about people who might have those issues and wants everybody to enjoy what they created and to have fun.

And yes I have made my own version of a Starbucks drink before and yes it was on the cheaper side and no I have never worked at a Starbucks before but here is something I used to drink before buying the stuff got a little expensive. You can find it at Walmart if you're in the U.S. but for other countries you can use whatever doesn't harm ya or make you bloated.

Get a glass or cup (I prefer my mason jar with a steal straw bc save the turtles).

Either get caramel syrup, chocolate, or whatever you use or none at all, and squirt it into the cup before spinning it around to create a fancy-looking pattern before maybe, if your like me and like the caramel ribbons in the straw, put some at the bottom of the cup to your liking.

You can fill it with crushed or solid ice, doesn't matter bc its gonna be cold anyhow.

Pour in whatever milk you wanna use, this can also be used for creamer and or a froth-like base that you can blend or use that spinny tool for that's overpriced but creates foam anyhow so who cares.

Next, your coffee, I usually use Delight Iced Coffee liquid coffee, but if you have more time than I do, use whatever normal coffee you use and pour that shit into whatever amount you wanna use as doing measurements variables on person to person. I personally just measure until it gets a little high before stopping.

Next, whipped cream. I usually use a lot but just enough to go over the rim of the cup but again, use as much or as little as you like.

Finally, add your syrup or nonsyrup to the whipped cream, and boom. Straw time.

ok enough is enough. whichever one of you virgins invented instagram starbucks recipes, die 1000 deaths. I had a customer come in today holding out their phone (full brightness) and looking all shy and Im immediately like 🙄 fine ok, what does the instagram user want me to make for them this time. well this time it's a cringe harry potter themed frappucino. excuse me??? "can you make this for me?" I said excuse me??? -- I mean *customer service voice* "yeah it looks like I have all the ingredients, haha sure!"

ok cringe instagram harry potter frappucino drinker. ok. die. "Ive never had this drink before" yeah I can tell due to the fact that it didnt exist until someone posted a #aesthetic photo of it to instagram 14 hours ago ok. ok,

but whatever, Im paid to put up with this shit. so I add the ingredients all up on my computer and congrats! ur harry potter cringe social media drink has $10 worth of syrup in it. are you happy??? is this what you wanted??? a $10 frappucino??? $10. for a drink. you doubled the price of this drink for ur off-brand "harry potter and the legend of the overpriced starbucks drink" drink. you doubled the price!!! is this how u imagined spending ur day? is this what u wanted to do when u woke up this morning? $10 for a 24oz drink?

and u know, you KNOW the influencer making this recipe doesn't even work at a starbucks cause when it was all said and done the drink looked like shit. my blender was straining against the weight of your sins (and syrups) and Im sweating, Im an animal, Im losing my mind and my blender is getting watered down frappucino syrups everywhere -- u put so much shit liquid in this blender it doesnt even fit in the cup btw. it's making a huge mess. but is it instagramable? no, its fucking ugly. #trending #foryoupage #cringe $10 harold potter drink for adult children,

so are you happy? is ur social media influencer bestie happy? I made ur stupid $10 drink for u. does it taste good? no? well I hope instagram shuts down tomorrow. I hope you read a different book. I hope I never get sober. there is no sign of land. I hope you die. I hope we both die.

[herrebelwinner]

The Allure of Vanity: Understanding Its Impact on Modern Society

Introduction

Vanity is a concept that has fascinated philosophers, psychologists, and sociologists for centuries. It refers to excessive pride in one's appearance, abilities, or achievements, often leading to a self-centered worldview. While vanity is frequently viewed negatively, it also plays a significant role in human behavior, influencing everything from personal relationships to consumer culture.

In this article, we will explore the psychology behind vanity, its effects on social interactions, and how modern technology amplifies this trait. By understanding vanity, we can better navigate its influence in our daily lives.

The Psychology of Vanity

What Drives Vanity?

At its core, vanity stems from a deep-seated need for validation. Psychological studies suggest that individuals who exhibit high levels of vanity often seek external approval to compensate for internal insecurities. This behavior can be traced back to childhood, where praise and criticism shape self-worth.

Key factors that contribute to vanity include:

Social Comparison: People measure their worth against others, leading to competitive self-focus.

Fear of Rejection: The desire to be admired can stem from an underlying fear of being judged or excluded.

Narcissistic Traits: Extreme vanity may overlap with narcissistic personality traits, where self-admiration overshadows empathy.

The Role of Self-Esteem

While vanity is often linked to arrogance, it can also be a coping mechanism for low self-esteem. Some individuals use external validation—such as compliments, social media likes, or material possessions—to fill an emotional void. However, this reliance on outside approval can create a fragile sense of self.

Vanity in the Age of Social Media

The Rise of Digital Narcissism

Social media platforms have transformed vanity into a public spectacle. Apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook encourage users to curate idealized versions of themselves, prioritizing aesthetics over authenticity. This phenomenon, often called "digital narcissism," has reshaped how people perceive themselves and others.

The Filter Effect: Photo-editing tools and filters allow users to alter their appearance, reinforcing unrealistic beauty standards.

The Like Economy: The pursuit of likes and followers fuels vanity, as social validation becomes quantifiable.

Influencer Culture: Celebrities and influencers monetize their vanity, promoting lifestyles that are often unattainable for the average person.

The Consequences of Online Vanity

While social media can boost confidence, excessive vanity online has several downsides:

Increased Anxiety: Constant comparison leads to feelings of inadequacy.

Shallow Relationships: Interactions become transactional, based on appearances rather than genuine connections.

Addiction to Validation: The dopamine rush from likes can create dependency, making users crave constant approval.

Vanity in Consumer Culture

The Beauty Industry’s Exploitation of Vanity

The beauty and fashion industries thrive on vanity, marketing products as solutions to insecurities. Advertisements often imply that purchasing certain items will enhance attractiveness, status, or social acceptance.

Anti-Aging Products: Creams, surgeries, and treatments promise youthfulness, capitalizing on the fear of aging.

Luxury Brands: High-end fashion and accessories serve as status symbols, reinforcing social hierarchies.

Fitness Trends: Gyms, supplements, and diet plans sell the idea of an "ideal" body, further fueling vanity.

The Paradox of Choice

While consumerism offers endless options for self-improvement, it also creates decision fatigue. The pressure to maintain a perfect image can lead to stress, financial strain, and dissatisfaction.

Balancing Vanity and Self-Acceptance

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Vanity

Not all forms of vanity are harmful. Taking pride in one’s appearance can boost confidence and well-being. The key is moderation:

Healthy Vanity: Practicing self-care, dressing well for personal satisfaction, and setting realistic goals.

Unhealthy Vanity: Obsessing over flaws, seeking constant validation, or judging others based on superficial traits.

Cultivating Authentic Self-Worth

To reduce the negative effects of vanity, individuals can:

Limit Social Media Use: Taking breaks from platforms that trigger comparison.

Practice Gratitude: Focusing on personal growth rather than external approval.

Embrace Imperfections: Accepting that flaws are part of being human.

Conclusion

Vanity is a complex trait that influences behavior, relationships, and societal norms. While it can motivate self-improvement, unchecked vanity leads to superficiality and emotional distress. By recognizing its role in modern culture, we can strive for a healthier balance between self-confidence and humility.

Ultimately, true fulfillment comes not from external validation but from self-acceptance and meaningful connections. Understanding vanity allows us to navigate its allure without letting it define our worth.