Times have changed to become a more digitized environment. Forms of education, businesses, and countless aspects of daily life have all changed to become accessible through our mobile devices. With this comes a digital form of entertainment and communication, which for many is social media. I believe that social media is a superb tool for keeping up with others and a fun pastime. It can provide life tips and can build a sense of community. However, for me, it can also lead to distraction from real life, school, and those closest to me. I have watched as social media has grown, changing the values and ways of my classmates.
Everyone has seen social media play out in various ways among those around them. To learn about others’ experiences, I spoke to students at Parkland Secondary School to hear their input on how they have seen social media impact and affect those around them.
Louise Hogan, a grade 11 student at Parkland Secondary, was happy to share her opinions and observations of social media. “I believe that while social media can be a great tool to access like-minded people, share your experiences, and keep up with friends, it can also be dangerous. It poses many risks, most notably the impact on mental health that it has.”
Whilst many people join these applications for entertainment or engagement, the negative impacts can commonly overwhelm their lives; something that Hogan was glad to talk about. “Social media can cause anxiety and overall can take away from a person's life due to the time that they consume using it. I often hear my fellow classmates talk about how they have been consumed by social media, and personally, I have also fallen victim to it countless times.”
It is easy to lose track of time and get distracted by the personalized algorithms of countless platforms. Hogan shared that the largest issue is mindless scrolling, often fuelled by procrastination.
I also spoke with Jaikin Ellis, a grade 10 student at Parkland Secondary, to hear about how he has seen forms of social media impact those around him. “While I don't believe that social media could be directly linked to poor performance in school, I do think that the amount of time and effort that students sink into social media certainly takes time away from their studies, as well as every other aspect of their lives.”
The excessive use of social media can distract students from the realities of life and relationships, as well as change the appreciation and ways of communication; something that Ellis also shared his thoughts upon. “Of all the extreme ideas and effects brought into the lives of students by social media, those around relationships are most prominent. I think a lot of students learn unhealthy ways of communication and distorted values from emotionally immature adults online that they look up to.”
He talked about how through such a formative time for youths, it is difficult for adolescents of recent generations to look up to influencers on social media who are driven by profit, rather than good role models and mentors; such as parents, teachers, and peers.
As we transition into a period of technology-based ways and entertainment, social media can affect many aspects of our lives; especially those of recent generations. I recommend considering the experiences and opinions of students regarding social media and the changes they have observed. This can help to further understand some of the stressors that students encounter daily in their social lives.
Natalie Bukovec is a student at Parkland Secondary School in North Saanich.
