I started using modern day social media when I was a junior in high school and decided to join Twitter in April of 2012. I was never allowed to have Myspace, Facebook, or AIM when I was younger, so Twitter was my only way to participate in the social media world that my classmates were always talking about. Social media has always been an outlet for creation and recognition. I used Twitter as a way to express thoughts that somehow seemed more appropriate online than in real life, and wanted to see how many people shared the same thoughts by liking and retweeting.

People’s twitter profiles were a way to figure out what people were interested in, what people were doing that day/weekend; basically a way to stay socially connected to my classmates in a way that felt more personal than our relationship at school. A big reason why I use social media is because I am nosy.

I feel like social media has had such a huge success and impact on our culture because it appeals to human nature. I like seeing the fun things people did over the weekend, or extravagant vacations, meals, holidays, adventures, etc. Another huge part of social media is that it keeps me updated with local and national news.

AP Poll Top 10:

1. Alabama
2. Florida St
3. Ohio St
4. Michigan
5. Clemson
6. Houston
7. Stanford
8. Washington
9. Wisconsin
10. Louisville

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 11, 2016

I follow my favorite bloggers and celebrities to get instant updates about their personal lives.

Ready to #StrikeOutCancer at the @cityofhope softball game! #TeamOpry ⚾️⚾️⚾️ pic.twitter.com/IpmGYj7kjd

— Jessie James Decker (@JessieJDecker) June 7, 2016

Social media makes me feel as though I am following along in other people’s lives, which is the same thing people have always done with idols, friends, and celebrities. The difference is that today it is all at our fingertips.