Introduction

In a revealing TikTok series, 24-year-old Sara Van Ess (@just.a.sara) sheds light on the discrepancies between the glossy images portrayed on social media and the actual imperfections of the home she purchased in Oregon. Sara and her husband stumbled upon a sobering revelation after buying their house: it had previously belonged to aspiring DIY influencers who meticulously curated and heavily edited images of their unfinished home to create a polished online presence.

Sara's Experience

Sara candidly stated, "I live in a house that used to be owned by someone who was trying to be an Instagram influencer. They shared highly edited, strategically angled photos of my unfinished house, aware that it wasn't completed correctly, portraying it as if it were a flawless influencer home."

The Purpose of Sharing

Her goal in sharing these insights is not to ridicule the former owners but to spotlight the illusions often created online. "Honestly, it saddens me to think that there are pictures of my house making others feel inferior about theirs. We frequently compare ourselves on social media, which is why I'm sharing this — to break down those Instagram vs. reality barriers."

Home Tour and Audience Reactions

In her videos, Sara walks viewers through different rooms, showcasing the small imperfections often hidden in social media posts. The reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, as audiences appreciate the authenticity of her 'less than perfect' home tour.

A Stunning Revelation

Finding the perfect Instagram version of her house was a shocking revelation for Sara. “Six months post-purchase, I learned that my house had been frequently featured on social media. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the same kitchen I had just bought, presented in a way that felt vastly different from reality."

The Reality of Social Media

She emphasizes that social media feeds are carefully curated; often, we only see what users want us to see. “We live in a society focused on finished appearances. It's uncomfortable to show vulnerabilities online, where critiques can be harsh. It's much simpler to create an idealized version of our lives.”

Responsibility and Transparency

Working in marketing, Sara feels a profound responsibility regarding social media's influence on mental health and well-being. “As someone who creates content for a living, I've always believed in the importance of transparency online, especially noting its effects on both mental and financial health.”

Facing Backlash

Initially, after gaining a significant following, Sara shared photos of her home to help others feel secure in their spaces. But she faced backlash, with some viewers sending hate messages to the previous owners, which was unintended. "It wasn't my goal to harm anyone; I wanted to shed light on a relatable issue — we all share our lives in a curated way!"

Positivity Amid Negativity

Despite the negativity, the positive feedback for her transparent approach encouraged Sara to resume posting. “I realized that showing the truth about my home was helping others. It’s crucial to remind people that what they often see online is just a snippet of reality. In today's world, it's vital for your peace of mind to critically evaluate all types of media.”

Home Inspection Insights

Sara also frequently encounters questions regarding their home inspection prior to purchase. "We did have an inspection and were fully aware of the house's unfinished state. Unfortunately, we just didn’t realize the extent to which it was glamorized online. The knowledge that my home might contribute to someone else's insecurities feels very unsettling.”

Conclusion

Follow Sara Van Ess on TikTok for more insights into the real-life implications of social media's curated lifestyle and its effects on daily living.