The general idea and platform of social media can be both beneficial and harmful. Yes, it can help spread information quicker, but it can also give individuals the power to hurt others.

People have come a long way to produce these fast and efficient platforms, but is it truly necessary and worth all the hate that comes with benefits? Every day, the media keeps on increasing and updating, but what if it was the wrong idea to keep on creating these sources; and if so, is it too late?

Since it is the 21st century, it is no lie that most people have used social media once in their lives.

It allows one to ease loneliness, provide a convenient way for communication, and promote businesses. Rather than leaving home to go socialize, one can simply send a text to keep in touch. Rachel Lee, an 8th grader at Sierra Vista Middle School, is an example of this mindset as she “[prefers] communicating on social media.” Rachel went on and expressed how she felt more confident behind a screen rather than in person where starting a conversation is difficult. Talking to others can be hard indeed so social media being there for those who need it seems convenient. Additionally, social media is a perfect place to promote business! Whether it’d be a book one has been working on or a clothing company, the audience seeing these talents may be captivated by the business and support.

On the other hand, cyberbullying is real and can affect anyone at any time. Cyberbullying has been going on since almost the beginning of social media and it has not gotten better and is completely inevitable.

Not only cyberbullies but whatever goes on the internet, stays on the internet. Everyone who sees a certain post has absolutely all the power to save and send. Because it is so unexpected, the internet is hard to manage and can be dangerous.

“I believe that [cyberbullying] is extremely difficult to track, but necessary to find ways to easily determine when it happens so that people feel safe and happy to be in the social platforms,” says Kyle Min, a fellow senior at Los Alamitos High school.

As can be seen, individuals, such as Kyle, understand the importance of internet safety and not everything is as perfect and useful as it seems. Over the years, there have been multiple cases of cyberbullies and the misuse of social media having varying and life-affecting consequences.

With that in mind, is social media good or bad? The information collected over the years creates a neutral base, but one can’t help but think that modern-day problems, like safety, security, and well-being, takes up 14.1% of concerning world issues (businesssinsider.com).

Of course, this is according to millennials and there are two whole other generations ahead, but since social media and the internet is growing bigger and unstoppable each day, it is certain that in the near or far future, the generations will repeat.

Yuna Shin

Yorba Linda HS / 10th Grade

<Yorba Linda HS / 10th Grade>