This post brought to you by Soffe. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Her Campus.
Taking selfies has become a daily part of life, practically a routine - almost like brushing your teeth or eating a meal. In the past, people may have gotten strange looks if they were seen flashing a smile or pouting for their smartphone in public, but now it's a pretty normal occurrence. If you ask us, a little too normal.
But with its increasing prevalence comes increasing concern for us, the young women (and men!) who are most selfie-struck. When we're constantly being inundated with images of perfectly coiffed girls pouting behind flawless Insta filters - and possibly even using apps to change their appearance - it can feel impossible to keep up. We feel like we need to look a certain way, or pose a certain way - 'skinny arm,' anyone? Come on - does this sound healthy?
Take the latest Internet trend gone viral: the #KylieJennerChallenge. Many tweens and teens alike wasted no time trying to emulate the plump lips of the famous Kardashian-Jenner family member by suctioning their lips with shot glasses. Call it a hilarious joke, but the trend sends a more powerful message about how easily social media becomes a platform of comparison - one that can lead to bruised lips and major body image insecurities.
So to challenge this society of "me," activewear company Soffe has launched #TheUsProject, which aims to "widen the lens" to include your friends and peers. Instead of giving in to competition that selfies create, #TheUsProject movement encourages you to motivate and give strength to one another, which will, in turn, create a much fuller and more beautiful picture. Trust us!
The next time you're out with your friends and you're all about to individually snap some selfies, gather together and take the ultimate group photo! Use #TheUsProject hashtag and you could be featured on the movement's Instagram! You'll also be entered to win #TheUsProject apparel to show your support for the movement, so grab your friends and get Insta-ing! Make sure to tag the @hercampus Instagram handle when posting for #TheUsProject contest. Check out our favorite piece of apparel you could win below:
Don't believe us that your selfie habit could be bad for your health? Check out these selfie statistics below - and next time you're trying to capture the moment, pull in a friend or two to pose with you!
Check out the video that shows all the selfie stats here!
We're getting in on the action, too. Check out our all-inclusive shot below to see our group camaraderie from Her Conference 2014 - no selfies allowed! Every day, we're so inspired by our driven, intelligent, creative collegiettes! We wouldn't be the HC we are today without them! That's why we're proud to take pictures together, rather than take selfies apart.
