It’s what we make of it

Social media. It’s everywhere. From Snapchat streaks to late-night Instagram scrolls, it’s a huge part of how we connect, share, and even relax. As an 18-year-old girl about to graduate high school, I’ve grown up with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter (well, now X but still!). And honestly? I think social media can be both a blessing and a curse it just depends on how you use it.

Let’s start with the positives. Social media gives us the power to stay connected with friends and family, even if they live far away. I can FaceTime with my sister in New York, keep up with my best friend who moved to Australia, and even meet new people who share my interests like photography and mental health advocacy. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have helped young creators grow their voices, spread awareness about important issues, and even launch careers. That’s pretty amazing if you ask me.

But I won’t lie, social media has its dark side too. It can be super distracting. I’ve definitely caught myself wasting hours scrolling through posts when I should’ve been studying for a math test. Even worse, it can really mess with your mental health. Constantly seeing people’s “perfect” lives can make you feel like you’re not good enough, even though deep down we know most of it is edited or staged. The pressure to look a certain way, get enough likes, or keep up with trends can be exhausting. So, where do I stand? I believe social media is a powerful tool but only when we use it wisely. Schools should teach students how to manage their screen time and stay safe online. Parents and teachers should guide us, not just ban us from using it. And we, as students, need to learn balance. It’s okay to post your prom pics, but don’t forget to live in the moment too. In the end, social media is what we make it. It can bring people together or tear them apart. It can inspire or discourage. It can be a connection or a distraction. The choice is ours.

“technology” by Backdoor Survival is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.