Social media has shaped each of us in our interactions with the world, but the debate still goes on. On the one hand, it could have been used as a tool for connection, but many are doubtful and raise their voices about its harm. To understand how social media affects people today, I asked two students who go to Judge Memorial Catholic High School: Lillie Memmott, a sophomore, and Ian Galaviz, a Senior, both involved on the robotics team. 

Lily sees both the advantages and disadvantages of social media. Particularly, it really helps her stay close to friends and family, but there’s also a negative side when it comes to social media. “Social media can be used for really good things, like studying positivity and connecting with friends and family. Friends and family that don’t live here, but that don’t live in Utah, I can connect to them through social media, and that’s pretty good,” Lily said. On the other hand, she says, “It could also be used for really bad things like cyberbullying.”

To the question as to which side she would lean on: good or bad with regards to social media, Lily has made up her mind.

“If I had to pick a side, I would probably choose bad. A lot of people can use it for bad, and there are other ways to connect with people.” She is split by the other fact that makes it hard to quit entirely.

“What holds me back from deleting all my social media is connecting with my friends and family. There’s information on the Judge Instagram, and I share that with my friends who don’t have Instagram.”

Ian, on the other hand, has a more chill approach when it comes to socializing through social media. “It’s useful and fun, but it’s really easy to derail yourself,” he says. Ian uses only a few of the platforms. He prefers Discord or Snapchat and doesn’t like others like Instagram and TikTok. According to him; “I think it is good, especially for people who need it”.

However, Ian thinks that social media should not define who we are.

“My social media presence does not influence my real-world presence or who I am to the people around me.” 

Lily and Ian agree that social media is not entirely a bad thing; however, they understand the challenges that accompany it. For Lily, the issue is ‘how to keep up with everyone without the negatives’; for Ian, ‘making sure that moderation and personal control are there’. Social media can be a great resource for communication and development, but it can just as easily be a large distraction or harm. 

Thus, whether its positive or negative aspects should approach both students when it comes to having social media engagement. There is no right answer either as it unites people or separates them. Social media has become a part of everyday life. Its power lies in how we choose to use it, shaping it into something that can either strengthen our bonds or challenge our sense of self.