I am sure that many college students have been told that they spend a great deal of time on social media. Those who may not be frequent social media users/do not have a social media account may assume that social media is a form of evil that has left many young people transfixed. Have these people not heard that with every negative there is a positive?
Yes, it is true that social media can bring about a great deal of trauma and many have fallen victim to online bullying. While it is extremely difficult to turn a blind eye to the negatives of social media, however, we should also look at social media and recognize all of the benefits that it provides.
As college students who may not have a television in our dorm room due to lack of space and who have classes at various times throughout the day, we may not have the time to watch an hour of the news. I get it--we are all so busy throughout the year, especially during finals, that we have no time to pick up the newspaper and read that either. No worries, I have a solution.
If you happen to have a Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram account, do not be afraid to follow one or two reliable news sources such as CNN, NY POST, or The New York Times. While scrolling through your social media timeline, one may stumble across a brief headline such as “Starbucks Holiday Cups Are Back” and instantly become informed on one current event that can be passed onto others.
Social media is also great for meeting new friends and reconnecting with old friends! How many of you meet someone for the first time and see that the other person has a Snapchat and ask to become their Snapchat friend? I know that I do. Snapchat is a quick and easy way to show your friends at school, as well as your friends back home, what you are up to throughout the week as well as the weekend.
Wait, there is more!
Several news organizations are catching up with the times and have made Snapchat accounts of their own. Are you interested in the Presidential Debates or an Award Show? Often times, Snapchat runs a live story for the debates and award shows. Are there any Sunday Brunch lovers? Last week, Snapchat ran a live story for that as well!
Sharing a news story or video on Facebook or Twitter can be extremely beneficial. Not only are you making sure that you are informed, but you are also looking out for your social media followers by sharing an interesting news article or video that is on Facebook or Twitter. Also, because many of us are away at college, social media is a great way to let all of your family know that you are safe and sound.
Go ahead and post a selfie of you and your friends for your family and friends back home to see. People may not currently realize it, but ten years from now we are going to be so thankful that we have social media that documents the most eventful years of our lives.
