Gen Z spends an average of 6 hours and 37 minutes on their phones, with roughly 3-4.5 hours spent on social media. This surge in social media use has been an area of debate for many years. While some view these platforms as a place to connect, others argue that the media can increase feelings of isolation and low self-esteem. This can be especially true for teenagers, who encounter unrealistic beauty standards and comparisons.
So really, how “social” is social media?
With the rise of the internet, people can communicate faster than ever. (Canva)
While professionals have used several metaphors to describe the effects of social media, such as a town square or beauty pageant, a better analogy (in my opinion) is a sugary or alcoholic drink. In moderation, these digital dinner parties can bring people together. This allows people to connect to their friends and loved ones who live far away. This can also be helpful for people with busy schedules who don’t have time to hang out in person. Social media also caters to one’s specific interests, fostering a sense of community through shared hobbies, passions, and humor.
“Social media connects people easily, but it depends on how you use it,” says Ivy Zhang, an ERHS student. “The lack of control and education causes overuse and isolates people from reality.”
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The media can often make people feel like they’re not doing “enough.” ( Canva)
On the flipside, overconsumption of media can become addictive and blur the line between reality and the online world. At least 90% of what we see online has been heavily filtered and thought out. This can create the illusion of perfection. Since most people only post their best moments, this standard can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction with one’s own life, body, and accomplishments.
“I’m surprised yet not surprised,” says Mrs.Hernandez, a teacher at Eleanor Roosevelt, in response to the drastic amount of time teens spend online. “I tend to scroll and not even realize that time has passed.”
“It’s that dopamine kick every time we’re watching something, and it’s so short that we want another,” she elaborates.
It also takes away opportunities to interact in real life, with many dubbing Gen Z “The Socially Incompetent” Generation. In her book IGen, psychologist Jean Twenge touches on the disconnect between reality and the online world.
“In the next decade we may see more young people who know just the right emoji for a situation—but not the right facial expression,” writes Twenge.
My name is Quinn, and I’m a junior at Elenor Roosevelt. I enjoy reading and writing, as well as spending time in nature. Some of my hobbies include listening to music, baking, and playing video games. In addition to journalism, I’m a part of the ERHS choir program and president of poetry club.
“And sit together, now and forever, for it is as plain as anyone can see, we’re simply meant to be.”
– Jack Skellington, The Nightmare Before Christmas
