Be the Beauty That You Need

We can all agree that social media has done a lot of damage to people, society; but it also has done a lot of good too. Social media connects people all over the world, and while that can be a risk and cause harm, it can also be a blessing. A lot of people hate social media, say it hurts more than it solves. But what if it doesn’t?

Social media connects everyone, giving opportunities to make new friends, have new experiences, see new things. Without social media I wouldn’t have been in dance. I wouldn’t have been able to participate in the Distinguished Young Women’s Scholarship Program. I wouldn’t have met half of the friends I have today. Social media has made me become a better person, helped me learn, grow, and helped me be able to achieve things I didn’t think was possible. I know that it’s not only me who feels this way, but so many of my online friends feel this way as well. Social media helps save lives. But can’t it also ruin them too?

Social media hurts. People are mean, they don’t care, and they use it as a way to control and hurt people. Online platforms like instagram, tiktok, snapchat, have all been used to shame, humiliate, and bully others. If we didn’t have social media a lot less people would be getting bullied, have less body image issues, and overall be a lot happier. When my parents talk to me about when before the internet(social media) was invented, they say that everyone was more connected. To talk to someone you had to see them in person, or write a letter. There weren’t rumors or pictures being spread online, only by word of mouth. Without social media everyone knew everyone so much better.

Both sides have strong arguments on which one is “better”, but there really is no definitive answer on if social media is good or bad. Everyone has their own experience, I am neither on the side that social media is good or bad. I believe it’s both. I understand why people think social media is bad, social media hurts, the people can be mean and hateful and it may be enough for you to want it gone. But I also see why it’s good too, it helps connect families, friends, helps save people’s lives. So don’t let the people who don’t know how to respect social media deter you from finding its beauty. Help be the beauty that social media needs.

“Phone” by jacqui.brown33 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

“Teenager beach games, San Diego” by moonjazz is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

“Royal Poinciana @ Merrie Christmas Park | 150607-2789-jikatu” by jikatu is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.