On today’s episode:
We’re uncovering a global sensation that seems to have everyone in a chokehold: Social Media. You can’t deny that Social Media has practically everyone hooked. Whether it’s Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat or X, Social Media is everywhere. It’s the first thing most of us check in the morning and the last thing we view before bed.
It could be a fun trend or a simple quote that makes you go “Real” or “That’s so me”. Social Media has takes its effect on billions of people around the globe, from relatable quotes to funny memes. It could even just be keeping up with you favourite influencer. Whether you’re scrolling for vital information or just for fun, there’s definitely something for you. With millions of posts everyday, It’s almost impossible to not find something catered just for you.
However, in the midst of all the fun and exuberance (cheerful energy) Social media brings, It also has its downsides. From Online Bullying to death threats and even intense cases of doxxing, social media has made it extremely easy for all these scenarios to play out. As someone who’s not on social media, I often hear of scary instances where people have had to go into hiding because of all the hate they’ve received. All from one singular post.
Social Media as a whole isn’t all that bad but how you use it is what determines the outcome of your experience. So whether you’re like me, who’s never liked a single insta post in her life or you’re just here for the vibes, this entry is for you. Grab a seat maybe even tune into your favourite artist because today’s entry is all about Social Media.
So, social media?
Social media is a very active platform as it garners millions of users every single day from different age groups to different backgrounds with very different ways of living, there’s never a dull moment when it comes to socializing online.
As someone who’s only form of social media is YouTube, Discord and Pinterest, (Roblox if you can even count that) It’s easy to feel out of place when others are discussing the latest topic on social media. It could be a meme I wouldn’t understand or a simple inside joke that would seem alien to me. Often times, I feel left out of group conversations simple because most of them revolve around things that happen online and because I’m not an active member, I either find out too late or when it’s no longer relevant (Which happens in like .025 seconds if I’m being honest).
For those thinking me not being on social media is a personal decision, it isn’t! God knows how many times I’ve begged my parents to let me get on only Snapchat so I can feel a somewhat sense of belonging. But I’m constantly met with “No Kayla, you don’t need it” or “You’re not ready yet” which sucks because how would you know I’m not ready yet if you won’t let me try? And I know it comes from a place of love and protection that’s why I haven’t pushed the matter any further because left to me, I’d have gotten it behind their backs… but that would be dishonesty.
If you’re like me and you’ve never had the experience of using social media, don’t feel left out! I’m saying this as someone who is coming out and realizing life is so much more than that. Yes, sometimes, I feel slightly inferior to others that have parents who let them use it but at the end of the day, the most valuable moments are shared with people face to face, not on a screen. And on that note, let’s officially begin today’s entry!
Connecting via Social Media
Well, it’s pretty obvious how easy it is to connect on Social Media. I mean, it’s called Social media for a reason.
There’s so many plus sides to it. Not that I would know. For one, it’s an easy way to make friends. By just liking a post or sending a positive DM to a creator, you’ve possibly made someone’s day and if you’re lucky enough, possible even a new friend. Social Media is more that just likes and followers though, it’s also being able to capture a moment that words are unable to express. As the saying goes: A picture is worth a thousand words.
Now, there’s different aspects of social media from promoting businesses to reaching out to popular brands for collaborations but as this blog is catered towards teenagers, I’ll be discussing the main reason we use Social media.
Of course, there are many reasons we use social media. Like staying connected to loved ones who live far away or finding a support group for hobbies and interest and even just to share creativity and being involved in social events. There’s a perfect space for everyone to fit right in. But there’s some down sides.
Disconnecting and Reconnecting IRL.
Here’s the thing: Not everything on social media is all cupcakes and rainbows, there’s down sides to it. You and I both know that.
Imagine this: you’re simply scrolling on the internet and decide to post a quick picture of yourself doing something you find interesting like going on a hike or riding a bike. You turn off your phone and wait excitedly for a friend or someone to see it and comment under it. Hours pass, you check your phone only to see a few reactions , maybe even none at all. You start to feel anxious, questioning if it was even worth the post. You might even start thinking of deleting it altogether.
That’s the part of social media that isn’t talked about. The silent pressure for validation. A situation where a single post could “make or break” your online presence.
This shouldn’t be the case. Our worth or value shouldn’t be determined by how many likes or followers we have. Here’s a quick reminder: Social media isn’t an accurate depiction of the kind of life you live. People post only what they want you to see, whether positive or negative. People are busy. Algorithms are unpredictable. Being hung over not having enough likes or followers is not the right move.
So, the next time you fee a little sour over a post not having enough views or likes or comments of any sort, remember that our lives weren’t meant to be validated by a double tap of a screen or a comment. The people you surround yourself with, the moments you create are so much more valuable than any like or view.
So put down that phone,
Go outside. Touch some grass, get a feel of your environment. Our lives were meant to be spent indoors wondering when the next big thing is going to happen and not wanting to miss out. It’s perfectly fine to go offline and just take a break from the screen. It’s not running anywhere. Social media can wait. Offline connections can’t.
This post was a bit on the longer side, I’m aware. I hope you enjoyed it! Let me know if you want longer ones with shorter videos or if you want me to make the videos myself (with my poor editing skills).
Social Media & Your Mental Health.
Below, is a short video that explains everything I just said in a nutshell.
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