Between 2009 and 2017, rates of depression among kids ages 14 to 17 increased by more than 60% and in 2017 more than one in eight Americans ages 12 to 25 experienced a major depressive episode, a study found. 

One seemingly obvious factor contributing to this disturbing increase is the prevalence of social media in our everyday lives. It’s no secret that social media has a tendency to gloss over real life and make others’ lives look unattainably perfect. With kids spending anywhere from six to nine hours a day on different platforms, surrounding themselves with these unachievable examples, it’s no wonder they’re feeling dissatisfied and depressed. So what can we do to remind all of us that real life is just as beautiful as this fake, curated “perfection?” 

The intention of this project is to show that greatness can be found in those moments that aren’t perfectly curated. The imperfect, raw and real moments lived in between the “Instagrammable moments” are beautiful and just as meaningful. 

Taking a picture every waking hour for 365 days was a way for me to inspire others to remember that when we’re willing to look, there is beauty in every waking moment of every day.

http://www.every-waking-hour.com