Is Social Media Worth It?

Whether or not the hassle of regulations and the risk of harm was really worth it was split among students. By the difference of 2 people, it was ultimately more popular to say that social media was worth the consequences (51.9% of voters). Connection was by far the most frequently brought up benefit of social media. The ability to reach almost everyone within a social circle immediately was highly valuable to students. Some students talked about how this ability to connect helped them throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. In a time where physical distance was necessary, social media helped to fill the void and close the emotional gap between people. 

•  “With technology on the rise, people of all generations look to entertainment, and that may be TV, shows etc. But when it comes to social media, it’s portable entertainment you can access at any time, anywhere, which I think is why it’s so appealing. I think the ability to be able to stay connected to what’s going on anytime, anywhere, is valuable, and it outweighs the negatives.”

• “When it comes to making friends on social media, you really have no idea what a person could be like. But when you do come across a few gems and really get to know them, having these platforms becomes a great tool. I myself have maintained a very close relationship with my online friend group since the pandemic- it’s amazing how many similar experiences we share and continue to support each other.”

Other benefits frequently mentioned include how powerful of a tool social media could be. Platforms where millions of people are able to combine forces to conquer a certain task or share their own knowledge on a specific topic have changed the way the world works. Awareness is brought to issues much more quickly–missing people can be found hundreds of times faster if thousands of people are actively working towards their recovery. Tragedy is easily brought to light by just a few influential people through doing something as quick as posting a support link to their story. The importance of social media in sharing prevalent world news was also mentioned. While few teenagers regularly watch the news, as was once expected, the majority can stay updated through simple posts about whatever is currently happening in the world. Breaking news of political conflict or humanitarian crises reach teens through reposted media from major news sites, rather than the news sites or shows themselves. Those living through crises are able to share what they’re experiencing, and nearly immediately reach the eyes of those who have the power to help.

•  “The fastest way to spread information in today’s age is social media. If there is a missing child, social media will come to the rescue. As well as keeping up to date with the news especially for teens. Just based off of what I see everyday teens are more likely to open a social media app than turn on the tv and watch the news. Therefore, teens and whoever else prefers social media over the news will still be caught up to date on current events.”

Social media also provides an incredibly unique opportunity to share knowledge and skills in a rapid way, to an audience of millions. Many NAI students recalled learning skills such as crocheting across video platforms, or various other forms of art that they wouldn’t have even thought about learning otherwise. Scientific information, like updates on the status of the COVID-19 virus, can be shared in easily-digestible short videos or single-slide posts. Social media has the power to bring understanding of complex concepts rapidly to a diverse group of people. 

Students who believe the negative aspects of social media outweigh the positive benefits spoke primarily of how social media’s addictive algorithms took too much from their lives for the platforms to be considered “worth it”–while they may be able to reach anyone at any time, a preference for online chatting has taken away an irreplaceable element of relationships. 

•  “Negatives often outweigh the benefits, in my opinion. I think there are a lot of benefits though so the social media apps should change their apps so it’s less addictive and more friendly that way some of the negatives are eliminated and the positives can be more present. I think there are a decent amount of good things from social media, but they have become too toxic and addictive that the negatives outweigh the positives.”

Others spoke of how platforms with addictive algorithms had taken away from the time that they could have used to be productive or rest, rather than doomscrolling and making themselves increasingly anxious. Hundreds of students at NA are struggling to maintain an ever-growing busy schedule–most find themselves balancing school with a sport, alongside other extracurriculars. Students report that usage of certain platforms takes up many of their precious minutes of free time, and they often regret their choice to scroll when their free time is over. Some believe the solution to this is eliminating social media from their lives completely–every positive aspect can be replaced by non-virtual interactions. 

•  “No matter how many connections you have, or what you use it for. There are always ways to do things offline, maybe even make better and stronger connections. There will always be negativity and false truths with social media. However, you could cut out half of it if you simply put away your phone, or better yet didn’t have social media.”

A few surveyed students also stressed the importance of not grouping every social media platform into one category. Platforms like Snapchat and Discord were set aside as programs with much less cons than Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok. 

 “I think it depends on the specific app because some, like YouTube and ones more focused on messaging like SnapChat and Discord, have (from what I’ve seen) little problems associated with them when compared to Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.”