BY EMMA GLEASON
SR. STAFF WRITER
Whether social media is good or bad has always been a constant debate. It’s been used in negative ways that have permanently changed how we view it but, amazing things have also happened since the start of social media.
A huge reason why social media has a negative toll on the users is because of the self image issues, according to lifespan.org. Social media is a place where people are capable of editing and adding filters to their posts which impacts others immensely. The idea of being perfect is ingrained into everyone’s minds because that’s all they’re shown every time they open Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, etc. Not only is social media unrealistic, but it’s addictive. The constant usage creates unhealthy habits that make us dependent on the feed we view. Mcleanhospital.org says, “The platforms are designed to be addictive and are associated with anxiety, depression, and even physical ailments.”
After reading all of that you’re probably wondering how social media could ever be good enough to outweigh such big negative points. However, because of social media the world has been able to come together. It’s made communication a million times easier and effective. In less than a second, messages can be sent and pictures can be uploaded for the viewing of your friends and followers.
Harvard.edu states, “Social media may provide individuals with a platform that overcomes barriers of distance and time, allowing them to connect and reconnect with others and thereby expand and strengthen their in-person networks and interactions.” Many if not all of us took on a new level of appreciation for social media during Covid-19 and each of our quarantines. Because of it we were able to have a more positive experience, regardless of being separated from each other for so long.
Overall, there’s no clean-cut answer saying whether social media is good or bad. However, if used the right way it’s extremely helpful and fun to use. With the right habits and intentions, social media can be beneficial for all users.
SR. STAFF WRITER
Whether social media is good or bad has always been a constant debate. It’s been used in negative ways that have permanently changed how we view it but, amazing things have also happened since the start of social media.
A huge reason why social media has a negative toll on the users is because of the self image issues, according to lifespan.org. Social media is a place where people are capable of editing and adding filters to their posts which impacts others immensely. The idea of being perfect is ingrained into everyone’s minds because that’s all they’re shown every time they open Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, etc. Not only is social media unrealistic, but it’s addictive. The constant usage creates unhealthy habits that make us dependent on the feed we view. Mcleanhospital.org says, “The platforms are designed to be addictive and are associated with anxiety, depression, and even physical ailments.”
After reading all of that you’re probably wondering how social media could ever be good enough to outweigh such big negative points. However, because of social media the world has been able to come together. It’s made communication a million times easier and effective. In less than a second, messages can be sent and pictures can be uploaded for the viewing of your friends and followers.
Harvard.edu states, “Social media may provide individuals with a platform that overcomes barriers of distance and time, allowing them to connect and reconnect with others and thereby expand and strengthen their in-person networks and interactions.” Many if not all of us took on a new level of appreciation for social media during Covid-19 and each of our quarantines. Because of it we were able to have a more positive experience, regardless of being separated from each other for so long.
Overall, there’s no clean-cut answer saying whether social media is good or bad. However, if used the right way it’s extremely helpful and fun to use. With the right habits and intentions, social media can be beneficial for all users.
WHAT DO CCHS STUDENTS THINK ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA?
Question asked: Do you think social media overall is good or bad?
“I think it’s bad because it can be extremely toxic.” - Emily Kinyon (Sr.)
“Personally I actually love social media. I know most teenage girls end up all sad and compare themselves to other people but I just like getting mini insights into people's lives, it’s how I talk to people, how I catch up with old friends who just randomly pop up on my timeline. It’s nice to see people’s faces and with snapchat and stuff it’s nice to have a conversation a little more “face to face” with people who are far away.” - Oaklee Ewing (Sr.)
“Both, on one hand it’s just a highlight reel for others to receive validation. On the other hand it’s good because we get to connect with our friends and share excited things with groups of people.”
- Carsyn Pickens (Sr.)
Question asked: Do you think social media overall is good or bad?
“I think it’s bad because it can be extremely toxic.” - Emily Kinyon (Sr.)
“Personally I actually love social media. I know most teenage girls end up all sad and compare themselves to other people but I just like getting mini insights into people's lives, it’s how I talk to people, how I catch up with old friends who just randomly pop up on my timeline. It’s nice to see people’s faces and with snapchat and stuff it’s nice to have a conversation a little more “face to face” with people who are far away.” - Oaklee Ewing (Sr.)
“Both, on one hand it’s just a highlight reel for others to receive validation. On the other hand it’s good because we get to connect with our friends and share excited things with groups of people.”
- Carsyn Pickens (Sr.)
