Sara Aku
As you wait in line for your coffee, you look up from your phone screen and are acutely aware that you are the only person paying attention to their surroundings. Crouching neck and tapping with thumb makes you feel uncomfortable. You notice that your mindless feed scrolling has become as second nature to your breathing.
Our society’s regular use of the Internet has many benefits, but the consequences may outweigh the positives. When tech students were asked to describe their relationship with social media and its impact on themselves and others, their answers portrayed the advantages and disadvantages of living in an Internet reality.
The main question to explore in this case is whether the regular use of social media is more beneficial or harmful to our society.
“I believe social media is almost both. We have ways to communicate and receive news about situations that don’t air on normal broadcast platforms. However, social media can also be negative because we hear about fake news and we are constantly seeing posts that affect our mental health,” said senior Sierra Bozeman.
Although social media addiction can affect people of all ages, the constant exposure to social media of today’s youth can be seen as a cause for concern. Tech students were asked whether social media platforms should enforce or better enforce age limits to protect the developing minds of the young.
“I think social media will benefit users to tackle the age-restricted aspect of addiction. “The age limit will reduce the likelihood of social media addiction if the user doesn’t develop the addiction until later in life,” said Tech alumni Lucas Cobb.
Adhering to strict age guidelines can protect children from exposure to pornographic and violent content. If monitored properly, platforms can prevent children from viewing potentially dangerous and painful content.
Elder Chappell Bell believes that social media is a tool for society, but the trade in addiction, especially among children, is not profitable. “Social media should strictly adhere to age guidelines. Children should not have to use their free will to overcome addiction.”
The internet has a firm grip on society as a whole, regardless of age. Our daily lives depend on the Internet for convenience, communication, and access to resources, making it easy for even adults to become dependent and addicted.
Addictioncenter.com explains the intentional addiction-free design of smartphones built to keep users constantly engaged and connected to their devices.
https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/phone-addiction/
“I think unfortunately I’m addicted to social media and screens,” said Daley Walker, a senior marketing student. I feel like I have an urge to constantly check my phone for no reason. I click on an app and immediately close it to click on it again. My screen time is also astronomical.”
Regardless of your beliefs about Internet use, it’s important that you identify ways to balance your online life with your real life.
“I deleted Instagram and TikTok and only download it again when I have something to post and then I delete the apps again,” Bell said.
This prevents her from mindlessly opening apps and gives her more opportunities to connect with the physical world around her.
“Setting reminders on your phone to take breaks is helpful with screen time limits. At the end of the day, talking to new people without a phone in this technology-obsessed world feels scary, but we all need to get back to where having a conversation is normal,” suggests Cobb.
Having fast and unlimited knowledge and entertainment at your fingertips should be used in moderation and balance with the user’s reality, according to those interviewed.
