Social Media Sets a Stage to Disappointment

Social media ensnares us with picturesque images that cannot be realistically attained, ensuring a stage for disappointment.

Currently, high school students are growing up in an era where everyone is enraptured by technology. Most high school students have had a phone since middle school and some even sooner than that. Not having a phone is considered an anomaly.

 How does uninterrupted interaction with technology affect high school students? The rise of social media has led to an increase in over-consumerism and warped mindsets in teens.

From personal experience, I received a phone when I was 13 years old. I have had unlimited access to social media content with no intervention. One app in particular that I regularly use is TikTok. 

With various forms of content among different genres and a seemingly limitless supply of content, it can become quite addicting. In fact, there is a unique niche for everyone. My screen time on TikTok is way higher than it should be. I’ve had interactions with friends who can scroll on TikTok for more than eight hours at a time.

With the rise of social media, we have also seen some negative side effects. One of the negative side effects of social media is the rise in overconsumption. Influencers attempt to sell you products by showcasing their “perfect” life. 

Personally, I am easily influenced. Influencers have a large reach and a younger audience is much easier to persuade. Arguably, there are many benefits to social media but could it be detrimental to the lives of younger kids?

Influenced by what they see on social media we have seen a rise in kids trying to conform to the expectations that they see set on their screens. I have seen countless videos of kids filming a getting-ready video. They have unnecessary 20-step skincare routines that will just further irritate their skin. Copious amounts of encouragement from their social media feeds have convinced them that an expensive routine is the “key,” to gaining perfect skin. 

Micro-trends have people buying a top they will never wear again. You’ll need to have the latest shoes, latest tops, and of course, those earrings are absolutely essential.

 It’s nearly impossible to keep up with the constant fluctuation. By the time you get that flower top, this brand new red top will be all the rage. It can be costly and exhausting trying to live up to these nonsensical expectations.

While social media has its benefits, the numerous downsides are also very palpable. I believe that children should control their social media intake. It is beneficial to take a break and unplug every once in a while. On top of that, it is important for everyone to be conscious of how not everything on social media is real.