"Traveling several times a year? Cubana in the USA reveals the reality behind luxury on social media: 'They will never tell you.'"

Cubana highlights how social media fosters unrealistic expectations, revealing the use of credit cards to project an image of luxury.


A Cuban living in the United States has reflected on the social pressure exerted by social media and how, often, what people portray is an unrealistic lifestyle. In her viral video, user @sheila_hdzz remarks that social media can negatively influence perceptions of success and luxury. In her message, she explains how the content consumed on these platforms can create false expectations.

"The truth is that what one consumes on social media is harmful," the young woman states in her video, where she expresses that she has come to think that "having a good vacation once a year is wrong" because it seems that the social norm is to travel constantly.

The creator of the video questions how some people can afford so many trips each year and reveals what she believes is the key to this lifestyle: credit cards. "The answer is credit cards. The thing is, you don't see it, and neither do I. And they'll never tell you," she remarks, adding that she will likely be called "envious" for exposing this reality, but it is a fact that many people live on credit to maintain an appearance.

The Cuban, who studied accounting on the island, asserts that it’s not difficult to discern who truly enjoys a luxurious lifestyle and who relies on credit cards. While she clarifies that using credit is not wrong, she insists that we should not overlook the merit of being able to afford "a nice vacation each year," especially as an immigrant, as "not everyone can do it."

In her final advice, the Cuban emphasizes the importance of saving.

Many users agreed with her, while others explained how they manage to afford traveling several times in the same year. "Oh my God, finally someone says it! My husband and I earn well, yet we can’t do it. But we have zero debt," "This is totally true, but we’re not all the same. My husband and I run a business, have three kids, and work very hard to enjoy many trips each year, with no debt and a home of our own," "I've traveled about eight times this year. Thanks to the powerful one, but you pay them off quickly," or "Social media is an alternate reality. It’s better to be real than to pretend; some people can indulge themselves, but the majority cannot," are just some of the comments posted alongside the video.

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Izabela Pecherska

Editor at CiberCuba. Graduate in Journalism from Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid, Spain. Former editor at El Mundo and PlayGround.


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