Chapter 1: Meet Alexa

At 24, Alexa's life revolves around Instagram, even if she sometimes questions that reality. What unfolds when she encounters someone who isn’t as invested in social media?

Alexa was in the midst of selecting an outfit for a party, a process that always seems to take longer than anticipated. Despite running late, she felt no urgency; after all, her boyfriend Olly was already there, as punctual as ever. He attended these events solely to support her, which made her feel a bit guilty. The outfit choice was crucial, not just for her own satisfaction, but for how it would appear online. She often finds herself contemplating how things will look in a photo. Already, she'd reached out to her followers through Instagram Stories—temporary videos that vanish within 24 hours—to get their input, while a variety of dresses lay scattered across her bed.

The party she was preparing for was a press launch for 64Facets, an ethical jewelry company offering conflict-free diamond pieces starting at $10,000. The venue was a lavish bar in Blakes, South Kensington, promising plenty of social media exposure. With this in mind, she needed to make the right impression. Should she wear the flowing dress that allowed her to feel comfortable, the one that concealed her upper arms, or the one she believed made her look unflattering? Decision-making often spirals into a minor crisis for her, leading to a flurry of outfit changes just as the Uber arrives.

For the perfect photo, she aimed for the ideal blogger pose, which involved angling her knee to elongate her legs, distinct from the mirror-selfie pose that showcased her curves in a Kardashian-esque S-shape. Makeup was straightforward; she stuck to her signature look of cat eyes and contoured cheeks, despite her indifference toward the Kardashians. The one steadfast rule she had was to avoid tights, a garment she shunned out of long-standing insecurity about her legs.

Alexa Abraham, known as @alexa.abraham on Instagram, shares her name with Amazon's virtual assistant—a coincidence that once upset her when she realized her boss hired her for that very reason. Born in New York and raised in London, she often grapples with her dual identity; she sounds American yet struggles with certain cultural references due to her upbringing. Living in a shared flat in a worn ex-council block in west London, she appreciates the vibrant interior, thanks to her fondness for tidiness. Presently, her father covers her rent while she navigates her role as a PR professional at a startup named Prezzroom, representing wellness brands like KIN Nutrition and Boundless Nuts.

Since graduating in 2017, Alexa has undergone a transformation. Once shy and reserved, she now confidently shares glimpses of her life online, including daily Instagram Stories. Having met Olly in a student bar, she now faces the challenge of meeting his family during a weekend in Dorset.

Olly, two-and-a-half years her senior, contrasts Alexa's online presence with his traditional views on social media. Initially, he found her constant sharing intrusive, preferring to post mundane pictures. However, through Alexa's guidance, he learned to enhance his social media presence, becoming what she affectionately refers to as her "Insta-boyfriend."

In the early stages of their relationship, they navigated their differing online habits, eventually finding a balance. Olly has grown to understand the significance of Instagram in Alexa's professional life, even participating in activities specifically designed for social media appeal. In turn, Alexa has made concessions, occasionally putting her phone away during their time together.

As they prepared for the Dorset trip, both felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. Alexa aimed to make a favorable impression on Olly's family, while he worried about her adapting to their unique dynamics. The weekend would provide a test of their relationship.

Meet the Voice Behind Your GPS

This video delves into the life of a voice assistant, exploring how technology has woven itself into our daily experiences, much like Alexa's relationship with social media.

Chapter 2: The Online Persona

Alexa aspires to grow her influence online, already collaborating with brands like Seeing Things and Hanx. With dreams of transitioning to YouTube, she admires creators like Grace Fit UK and Anna Akana, who have carved out their niches. Although she once engaged in gaming, her focus has shifted to the wellness and fitness community on Instagram.

In addition to Instagram, Alexa maintains a presence on LinkedIn for professional networking, Tumblr for personal expression, and Twitter for news and trends. However, Instagram remains the central hub of her life, where she often finds herself scrolling late into the night.

Her commitment to the platform is evident; she has posted nearly 600 times since joining in 2014 and has amassed around 1,500 followers. The pressure to curate her image has intensified. Once carefree with her posts, she now second-guesses her choices, anxious about potential backlash from fellow influencers.

Old friends occasionally express surprise at her transformation, questioning what has become of the Alexa they knew. Yet, within the fitness community, sharing gym selfies is commonplace, motivating her to continue. Alexa enjoys using Instagram Stories for a more authentic glimpse into her life, receiving positive feedback for her candid moments.

Her love affair with the internet began at 13, igniting a passion that persists today. While her younger siblings avoid sharing their lives online, they often tease her about her relentless Instagram activity.

A typical day for Alexa includes receiving a package from an activewear company, a reminder of her compulsive online shopping habit. She dreads the returns that follow, but the thrill of unboxing never fades.

After sporting her new attire, she heads to her local PureGym, where she chooses her workout based on her mood. However, she now finds herself going out less frequently, preferring the solitude of the gym, although it can lead to unwanted attention.

At a friend's birthday party, conversations veer into topics of social mores and personal choices, reflecting the complexity of their generation's experiences. The night culminates with laughter and camaraderie, showcasing the balancing act between personal lives and social expectations.

Yet, the pressure of maintaining her online identity weighs heavily on Alexa. She constantly contemplates her responsibilities, feeling the strain of anxiety that accompanies her career ambitions.

The weekend in Dorset brings about a mix of excitement and apprehension. Alexa is determined to make a good impression on Olly's family, while they both navigate the intricacies of their relationship.

Meet Generation Alpha | The Digital Natives

This video explores the emergence of Generation Alpha, the first generation to grow up entirely in the digital age, paralleling Alexa's experiences with technology and social media.

As Alexa reflects on her life choices, she yearns for simpler times devoid of technology's pressures. Despite the chaos, she acknowledges the value of social media in fostering connection and understanding.

Ultimately, Alexa's journey through the complexities of being a millennial in the digital world showcases the ongoing struggle between authenticity and the curated self, revealing the profound impact of technology on personal identity and relationships.