Social Media - Good for Our Youth or Not?

[Rocky Ellery James Tumbelaka]

Social media could be use for good or bad. It all depends on who are using it. As for Damion in this book, he had a good reason for using social media, to care for his mother. The sad part was he end up using it to buried his insecurities, I believe his obsession to be noticed was the one that made the haters attacked him. Proper counsel and supervision without being too restricting from adults are needed for our youth, in order for them to use social media wisely.

[Carly Sprout]

I think the author presented social media as it is, as an integral part of children's sense-making of the world and their place in it. In fact, I'd even go so far to say it may be a little too subdued. It is simply a new way of 'being'. The once distinct line between reality and virtuality has become so blurred, creating a landscape where the tangible and the digital intertwine in ways we could have never imagined. This is their reality. Every generation has experienced concerns about the impact of new technologies on society and its younger members- think back to the introduction of TV.
There were similar concerns of excessive screen time and sedentary behavior, worries that violent or inappropriate content could lead to behavioral issues, increase of commercialisation, it's isolating effect on communication, poor educational content. But laws, not always perfect, were introduced to protect against the more nefarious elements. Times have changed and we need better protection laws for children online.

[Zainab Wasif]

There are both pros and cons of social media. Often, kids are inundated with a lot of information without being monitored which leads to negative outcomes. They are exposed to a lot of perils in the cyber world and parents are not able to intervene until the situation gets out of hand.

[Christopher Sublett]

Technology used for social media can be good and bad. The social platforms allow us to communicate faster in real-time, become more creative with our ideas, and financially increase our income. However, the use of social media outlets by young adults have taken a turn for the worst in some cases that lead to exploitation, cyberspace bullying, suicides, and increased spamming on a grand scale. Lawsuits, divorces, fighting, shootings, and even murders fall into the dark history of how social sites intended purposes have been misused.

[Abiodunakinola]

Social media contains both good and bad, it depends on what the youth used it for. They can change their life financially if they leverage the benefits of social media, but social media can also be dangerous by the influence of peer pressure. I think the author does well in listing all the good vs bad of social media.

[Aditii Mehta]

I feel that the consequences depend on how someone is using it. If a person uses it for educational purposes, it's beneficial but the sad part is that most of the people spend so much of their crucial time using it. Balance is important.

[Nate Mosson]

I hadn't really thought about this aspect of the book but I really should have. I believe that social media could be used well by youngsters to feel connected but too often there is a dependency that spills over into everyday life. Damion's dependency on the number of likes for his videos was a good example of what students go through every day. The peer pressure is incredible and few have the mental fortitude to disregard it. I think the author did a great job showing how it is possible to get sucked in so easily.

[Shanesha Sammerson]

The impact of social media on youngsters can vary depending on how it's used and the individual's experience. There are both positive and negative aspects to consider:

**Positive Aspects:**
1. **Connection**: Social media allows youngsters to connect with friends and family, especially if they are physically distant.
2. **Information and Education**: It can be a source of information, news, and educational content.
3. **Expression and Creativity**: Many use social media as a platform to express themselves, share creative work, and engage in hobbies.
4. **Activism and Awareness**: It can be a tool for raising awareness about important social and environmental issues.

**Negative Aspects:**
1. **Mental Health**: Excessive use can lead to issues like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
2. **Cyberbullying**: It provides a platform for cyberbullying and harassment.
3. **Privacy Concerns**: There are concerns about the privacy of personal information and data.
4. **Addiction**: It can become addictive and lead to time management problems.
5. **Comparison and FOMO**: Youngsters may develop a habit of comparing themselves to others and experiencing "Fear of Missing Out" (FOMO).

The impact depends on factors like the amount of time spent, the nature of the content consumed, and individual resilience. It's important for parents and guardians to educate youngsters about responsible social media use and maintain open lines of communication.

A a parent it's crucial to stay informed and adapt strategies to ensure a healthy balance between online and offline life for your child.

[Thera reads]

Social Media is good for the youths but the abuse of social media is bad for the youths. If not utilized well, can ruined their lives, dreams and goals.

[Oluwa Tomisin]

Social media is good without doubt but also really dangerous, Youths can be protected by not displaying everything and details about their lives in social media and not being fake on it.

[Jnapika D]

I think social media can be good or bad based on how one uses it. It's an amazing platform to connect with people far away from us and also to look for job opportunities, but that being said, if one doesn't know how to ground themselves, they might find themselves in a tough spot like Damion. So I think moderation is the key. And don't get stuck on likes, views, and follows.

[Hyfr Zack]

Youth are affected by social media in both positive and negative ways. But from my own perspective, social media benefits young people more than it harms them. One might learn how to handle particular situations in life on social media. Everything in life has negative impacts, but a person's decision determines how to maximise the positive effects.

[Christian_ James]

I never considered this aspect of the book, but it's something I should have pondered. I believe that young people can use social media positively to connect, but all too often, it becomes a dependency that spills into their daily lives. Damion's reliance on the number of likes for his videos serves as a prime example of the daily struggles students face. The peer pressure can be overwhelming, and only a few possess the mental strength to resist it. I applaud the author for skillfully illustrating how easy it is to become ensnared in this cycle.

[Clauson Justin]

Social media like every other thing in life has it's good sides which I am more inclined to lean on. However, if young ones allow themselves to be bullies online or constitute a nuisance it won't be entirely blamed on the social media. I think we need to focus more on helping them understand how best they can benefit from social media.

[Rishaunda Lynnette Britton]

Social Media is good for our youths. The world is evolving and technology is shaping the course of many things. What needs to be din is to regulate their exposure to certain contents till they are well informed enough to handle them.