The internet is the reason I am able to successfully write and publish this article and it is the reason you are reading this right now. This ubiquitous invention gives us continual access to boundless amounts of information at our fingertips. Many put it to use to hone their strengths, to develop their interests, to conduct meaningful research, and many have made their presence on the internet and social media platforms their careers. Over the past years I have witnessed this grand place of opportunity and information become an omnipresent and addictive abyss that too many of us have fallen victim to.

Social networking giants such as Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, etc. are silently controlling our lives and are making money off of them. They make us addicted to their sites through technical and sneaky algorithms that trick our brains into constantly being active on them. According to Business Insider, Snapchat's company mission is "to improve the way people live and communicate". From what I am witnessing, people are spending more time on their phones "communicating" on these apps than actually forming connections and dialogue with one another. Due to these sites, we always feel the need to be validated by each other through likes, views, and followers/subscribers. Thus, making us always feel on edge, anxious, insecure, and constantly self conscious. In fact, adolescent depression, anxiety, and insomnia has been increasing exponentially in the last ten years than ever before. Not to mention the cyber bullying epidemic in our schools. These companies are willing to put our mental and even physical health aside to stay relevant and afloat in today's industry.

Again, I am not saying social media is a bad thing, as it reaps countless benefits, just be aware of these faults and allow yourself the right to genuine communication and connection. Anyone who has the luxury of possessing a devise and social media account has the luxury of logging off. And unfortunately due to our addiction to the internet, when given the choice of interacting verbally or online, most will end up choosing the latter. Our species as we know it is in danger of loosing what makes us so special; the art of communication. These companies may claim they are making communication "faster and easier" but communication isn't supposed to be fast or easy. It is supposed to throw outside your comfort zone, thus forcing you to grow. This "communication" they advertise isn't really communication at all, it's a tactic to make us feel less lonely when using the app.

The internet was meant to be a place for the mind to grow. However, with these social networking industries fighting each other tooth and nail for more users, and in turn making us fight each other like savages for likes and followers, who's to say our growth really is being stunted and compromised by their greed.