Opinion: We Should use Social Media Less
March 31, 2021
I know, it’s an insane suggestion. So insane, that you probably threw whatever device you were reading this on as far as you could because it was such an insulting idea. Well, in the case that you can still read through the shattered remains of your once proud screen, I’m not saying that you should ditch every bit of technology you have and go hit some rocks with a stick. It’s more of a suggestion to cut down on usage and reliance where you can. There’s quite a few good reasons for it.
You might be addicted and not even realize it. “What? Me? No way.” Yes, you. Most forms of social media are designed to give you that chemical surge of dopamine when you get a notification. I mean, who doesn’t love getting those likes? That ding of instant validation is actually quite addicting and poisonous, though.
With that surge of dopamine, said sites promote having as many superficial relationships as possible. With a greater use of social media, genuineness becomes harder and harder to find, almost creating an artificial loneliness to the real world.
It is a massive numbers game. You go look at a profile and one of the first things visible is their follower count, snapscore, or whatever comparable thing every social media site has. It’s just how social media works. It heavily promotes comparison between you and your peers, and comparison is almost never a good thing.
So yeah, for the 20th time, social media does have a ton of downsides, but it has many many upsides as well. The phrase “with great power, comes great responsibility” is true for us as well as Spiderman. No one is suggesting going full caveman, but it wouldn’t ever hurt to take a step back away from the mystical land of social media.
Tariya Jackson • May 19, 2021 at 12:56 pm
I really enjoyed reading this because it’s so true! Iv’e stepped away from social media a lot of times and it’s always the best feeling because you don’t encounter drama or rumors everyday.
Cedrianna • Apr 2, 2021 at 4:30 pm
I like how everything that is stated is and true and you read my mind when you said “What? Me? No way.” Do you think people are going to actually going think about taking this into consideration ?
Raven Briscoe • Apr 2, 2021 at 3:04 pm
This was written very well. I also agree that social media should be used less, especially with the younger generation of children. Many kids grow up thinking they must “look” a certain way to be accepted in life. Social media can put off so many unrealistic expectations of children, and it certainly does more harm than good when they’re constantly having trivial things shoved in their faces. I can’t talk much though- I’m addicted.
collin cunningham • Apr 2, 2021 at 11:15 am
I like this because you also acknowledge that social media has good sides to it. How do you limit the use of social media for someone who wants to do so?
Susannah DeBlack • Apr 2, 2021 at 9:30 am
I think this is something a lot more people should take into consideration. People don’t recognize that they have an addiction to it until it begins to take a toll on their well being. I find myself rarely on social media because I have just lost interest in it.
Audrey Walthall • Apr 2, 2021 at 12:33 am
I really liked all of the examples and funny commentary. I agree that we should use social media less. I know that I am for sure addicted as well as many of my peers.
Ashley Baggett • Apr 1, 2021 at 11:03 pm
I love this! I fully agree. It’s a hard realization, but I think this story highlights the reasons well.
Drusilla Davis • Apr 1, 2021 at 1:01 pm
This is so true. I like your mindset. I try to get this message across to others; I am happy to see that another student has the same thoughts as me. Social media is the worst addiction, I learned that the hard way, now I am rarely on it. Nice Story!!
Brady Minister • Apr 1, 2021 at 12:07 pm
This was written really well, good job! I also think that social media should be used less, maybe not entirely but we should all slow our use of it.