Growing up, I was the last person I knew to have a phone, Facebook account, and AIM screen name. Now a college senior, I’m a social media guru with an iPhone I can’t put down.
There’s two ends of the spectrum and a middle ground when it comes to social media: you either hate it, love it, or are in between. I’m an ‘in between-er’. Here’s why.
You can either use it to your advantage or let it control you. I’ve done both.
Social media is powerful, like the force. It's how you use its power that determines what side you fall into… *end of nerd rant*
— Max Beaumont (@maxiswho) September 4, 2017
Social media allows me to feel more connected by expressing myself and staying informed. My profiles reflect my personality: sporty, sarcastic, and adventurous. I have the freedom to tell my story and paint experiences. In that regard, social media allows for the celebration of stories and the bringing together of people. On the other hand, it can add pressure to make life look more romantic than it is. One could stumble upon an Instagram page that, from the outskirts, looks perfect, but behind closed doors is home to someone struggling. This creates an unsafe and undue burden to fabricate things and feel controlled, while leaving me feeling empty, disconnected, and overwhelmed. This culture severs any type of positivity or connectedness to others.
On a brighter note, recent events have proved how social media is bringing the world closer together. With the tragic happenings regarding Hurricane Harvey, social media has proved vital in helping those in need. It has been enhanced dramatically as a communication route compared to when it was in its infancy during Hurricane Katrina. NFL player J.J. Watt alone has done tremendous things for relief efforts utilizing social media.
JUST IN: The Hurricane Harvey Fund run by @JJWatt has passed the $20 million mark, 100 TIMES its original goal from less than 9 days ago.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) September 5, 2017
Aside from his efforts, the support through social media has been insurmountable.
Our guys spent time giving back to the community helping load donations on the Hurricane Harvey relief truck today! #RollTide #Tide4Texas pic.twitter.com/cmY7pK6Rjp
— Alabama M Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) September 8, 2017
I agree that social media should spread love, positivity and help and Hurricane Harvey is a good example how social media should and could work. Unfortunately it’s not always like this and I think that there is no chance that we will experience social media without bullying, hate and discrimination. Nevertheless, Hurricane Harvey showed us how important social media can be and it will continue to to be extremely important in situation like this.