Considering the recent Supreme Court decision to uphold a ban of Tiktok and Australia’s ban of all social media for children under 16, the role of social media for young adults is being reevaulated.
Social media starts trends and connects us online, but it also is an outlet for bullying, encouraging comparison to others, permanant digital footprints, and misinformation.
“It has to be in moderation. When nobody knows how to regulate themselves, it can be a big mess,” school psychologist Aksana Lucatero said.
Moderating usage of social media is a challenge for “Gen-Z,” as they waste time on their phone as an escape.
“There is almost a habit. If I have nothing else to do, let’s see what’s on my phone instead of being present,” counselor Padua Reyes said.
Scrolling past video upon video has become a routine, when adolescents become bored or unhappy, instead of trying to communicating how they feel.
Scrolling for too long without any balance can quickly lead to overconsumption and comparison. Identities change as comparison shapes one’s self-image.
“Be your own person. You do not need to have the newest purse or lip gloss,” freshman Lilyana Garcia said.
The internet is misleading, and assuming that someone’s perfectly curated online life is real causes feelings of inadequacy. And to fill that void, some turn to buying everything advertised online in hopes of becoming less like themselves, and more like the carefully woven lie on the screen.
“It sets up unrealistic expectations about themselves or who they think they should be,” Reyes said.
Also, digital footprints will forever be online and accessible to future employers, law enforcement, and anyone you know.
Even with the negative side effects, social media can help law enforcement identify dangers.
“People have gotten in trouble more over social media, [with] police quickly catching potential threats to one self or others earlier,” Lucatero said.
Social media is both an endless rabbit hole of negativity, and is used positively for spreading awareness, deepening connections, and making online friends.
“It is about learning self-control. It’s all about balance,” Reyes said.
