What would your answer be if someone were to ask, "what does it mean to be social?" Would you say having a lot of friends, getting the most Instagram likes, or being able to effectively communicate? Or, would you hesitate and not have a real answer?

Older generations often complain about how social media is ruining the world. However, we tend to overlook these opinions and argue that it aids in communication, is fun, or believe their opinion is due to ignorance. After all, how can a generation that grew up without cell phones really understand what social media is? I want to persuade you to step out of your comfort zone for the remainder of this article and try thinking from a new perspective.

I agree that it is difficult for many adults to grasp the concept of social media, but their insight is not irrelevant. They grew up in a world without social media and have seen the change that it has caused in the world; we have not. While we all most likely remember the first time we used Facebook, Snapchat, or Instagram, we have always lived in a world dominated by the internet. Whether it be sending an email or playing computer games, I am willing to bet that most of you started using the internet from a very young age.

I always hear how our generation lacks social skills, and I agree. Hours spent communicating with our friends and family through a glass screen make face-to-face communication an unnecessary burden. Due to this, social skills are not practiced. We know basic manners and are taught to give a firm handshake, but are unable to carry on a conversation for more than five minutes.

I am in no way saying that social media in bad. However, the way we use it can be detrimental. I have seen people texting when they are sitting right next to each other. I have heard girls cry over not getting enough likes, or seeing that the boy they have a crush on liked another girl's post. I have seen relationships end because of a misinterpreted text message. In today's world being social is harder than ever. It is essential that we all find a balance in our lives between media and interaction. Social media allows us open-access to other peoples' lives, often causing us to forget our own.

Instead of scrolling through endless shared links on Facebook, Twitter memes, and Instagram posts, I encourage you to do something for yourself. Workout, read a book, go for a walk, or spend time in person with friends and family. Don't overlook the importance of living in each moment and noticing the beauty around you.