Social media has turned into a platform that runs our entire society. Societal convention, societal norms, personal confidence, like or dislike of a person, and more are all formed by what social media tells people. The way that it has taken over our lives is quite astonishing and actually ridiculous. The independency of society, or the lack thereof, shows society's reliance of technology. Although technology is the reason our country is prosperous in many ways, it is also a downfall on a more personal level with society. The things we can do, the awareness we can make, the connections we sustain, are all amazing.
However, when you look a little closer at the effects, they get a bit negative. For one, photo posting platforms are becoming ways to show people who is popular and who's not. People are starting to think that if they only get 75 likes on a photo, they are unpopular and that no one thinks they are beautiful. It is a way to judge people for their physical characteristics instead of what truly matters. People use social media to brag about their whereabouts and what they are doing. They are constantly seeking attention and want it to look like they are having the time of their life while everyone else is watching their story in their bed with donuts next to them.
Another negative effect of it is the change in the manners that were, in the past, upheld. People's manners have completely diminished because of social media and technology. People are so involved in what other people are doing or how many likes they are getting per minute. Growing up, I was told to never be on your phone when talking to someone, or while hanging out with someone. So many of my friends will be so engrossed in their phones that they don't listen to anything that I am saying. It's hurtful and rude. I can't say that I haven't done this myself, but I hope that everyone including me will try to stay off of their phones while they have the compony of their friends.
I believe that this can be easily fixed. Social media doesn't not have to have these effects on anyone. We can still be on social media, where people can have confidence without looking at the number of likes, where no one is insulted or trashed on, and where people can look up from their phone while you are talking to them. It is important to do these things and live outside of technology. I am pointing out these negative aspects based off of personal experience. I've noticed the change in myself and my friends and I want social media to be a positive thing!
