Social Media or Anti-Social? “From the moment they first came along, social media have been debated. They have been blamed and celebrate, condemned and defended” (Mauk, 142). In today’s society, social media is essentially inescapable for the younger population. Developing minds are clouded with imagines that make them question their own self-regard. It is basic human nature to desire acceptance by others. Just as a fire needs oxygen to thrive, humans, especially those who are young and still forming their identity, need companionship and validation by others to feel as though they are worthy. As young people look to social media to compare themselves to others they are negatively impacted in numerous ways. A major way young people evaluate
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Thus, their social media presence, in many cases, is much more glamorous than real life. A relevant example of this relates to the college experience. Moving away to attend school is a huge step for many young adults. Not only does it mean leaving family and friends, but it also means one must have to learn to be responsible for their own decisions and actions. While there is almost always an inevitable “honeymoon phase” with the new found freedom, reality soon kicks in and one realizes they might not yet possess all the keys to success. Students fail tests, eat alone in the dining hall, and at some point all break down and have a good old cry. However, these events, which so many of us experience, are almost non- existent on social media. Instead, as one scrolls through their accounts they see photos from the previous nights bar event or fraternity party. If for whatever reason one was not in attendance they tend to feel lesser about themself. In an excerpt from the Culture anthology, Steven Krause states, “The shift to social media . . . shifts the paradigm as to how we read and watch online, and indeed how we ‘read’ and ‘watch’ each other” (148). As young people, we are constantly watching others and comparing ourselves to them. The self esteem of those who people who are not involved in events that society and social media deem “cool” can be …show more content…
However, that being said, the ability for relationships to be deep and lasting is greatly undermined in this context. In his article titled “Hiding Behind the Screen,” author Roger Scruton states, “It is arguable that the more people satisfy their need for companionship through relationships carried out on the screen, the less will develop friendships of that other kind, the kind that offers help and comfort in the real trials of human life” (171). When a person decides to engage in an online relationship they are accountable for their own actions and cannot control the decisions of those that they choose to interact with. While one can believe that an online friend will be there through thick and thin, it is undeniable that an virtual companion can extricate themselves from a relationship much more easily than someone in real life. Though it may not be the right thing to do, participants have the ability to end a relationship with no consequences, as though they have merely deleted someone out of their life like an unwanted Instagram picture. By placing excessive focus on their virtual presence, young adults are missing out on the satisfaction of true
Thus, their social media presence, in many cases, is much more glamorous than real life. A relevant example of this relates to the college experience. Moving away to attend school is a huge step for many young adults. Not only does it mean leaving family and friends, but it also means one must have to learn to be responsible for their own decisions and actions. While there is almost always an inevitable “honeymoon phase” with the new found freedom, reality soon kicks in and one realizes they might not yet possess all the keys to success. Students fail tests, eat alone in the dining hall, and at some point all break down and have a good old cry. However, these events, which so many of us experience, are almost non- existent on social media. Instead, as one scrolls through their accounts they see photos from the previous nights bar event or fraternity party. If for whatever reason one was not in attendance they tend to feel lesser about themself. In an excerpt from the Culture anthology, Steven Krause states, “The shift to social media . . . shifts the paradigm as to how we read and watch online, and indeed how we ‘read’ and ‘watch’ each other” (148). As young people, we are constantly watching others and comparing ourselves to them. The self esteem of those who people who are not involved in events that society and social media deem “cool” can be …show more content…
However, that being said, the ability for relationships to be deep and lasting is greatly undermined in this context. In his article titled “Hiding Behind the Screen,” author Roger Scruton states, “It is arguable that the more people satisfy their need for companionship through relationships carried out on the screen, the less will develop friendships of that other kind, the kind that offers help and comfort in the real trials of human life” (171). When a person decides to engage in an online relationship they are accountable for their own actions and cannot control the decisions of those that they choose to interact with. While one can believe that an online friend will be there through thick and thin, it is undeniable that an virtual companion can extricate themselves from a relationship much more easily than someone in real life. Though it may not be the right thing to do, participants have the ability to end a relationship with no consequences, as though they have merely deleted someone out of their life like an unwanted Instagram picture. By placing excessive focus on their virtual presence, young adults are missing out on the satisfaction of true