Social Media Is No Longer A Choice
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Social Media Is No Longer A Choice

You're connected whether you like it or not.

485
Social Media Is No Longer A Choice
UpandSocial

**I must begin by stating that I absolutely use social media and understand the entertainment value and convenience of social media platforms.

In a society where everyone is constantly digitally conversing, sharing, gaming, and watching, it's deemed hypocritical for a millennial to say he/she would rather live a social media-free life. At some point or another we've all thought about how much better life might be if we weren't wasting our time watching Snapchat stories, aimlessly liking Instagram posts, or furiously refreshing Facebook when procrastinating doing schoolwork.

You might be reading this and thinking, so why not delete your social media accounts? Unfortunately, it's not that easy. Social media is no longer a choice. It's scary to think that the world we live in basically forces us to be connected to social platforms at all times. Young adults roughly 17-28, feel this pressure to stay connected more so than any other age group, and there's a few key reasons why.

First of all, we can't discount the innate desire to fit in. As much as we all hate to admit it, the reason for involving ourselves with these social platforms in the first place was due to a combination of interest and social pressure. It's normal to want to appear well-connected and sociable. Removing ones self from social media means losing the ability to contribute to conversations regarding certain things happening on these platforms. Fitting in is definitely a driving force behind why we use social media, but in my opinion it's not necessarily the most important one.

Secondly, there's the academic pressure. I would absolutely argue that deleting my social media accounts would affect my academic life. Students are constantly messaging classmates on Facebook for homework questions, plans for group projects, etc. I use Facebook because I often don't have the phone number for members of my group. Some professors have even created Facebook pages for class. These pages provide assignment updates, announcements, and even links to readings. Not to mention all of the groups students are a part of on Facebook. There's class groups, Greek life groups, club groups, groups with high school friends, etc. Not being a part of these Facebook groups or GroupMe's might mean missing opportunities to socialize, or missing important announcements regarding meetings and events that are important to a student's life.

Lastly, the most prominent factor forcing us to keep up with social media comes from the professional world. As a communication major, I am not only expected to keep up with my personal social media accounts, but I am also encouraged to create professional accounts as well. I must explore new social media platforms constantly, and keep up with social trends. This is true for nearly all professionals; most companies spend time choosing new hires that are familiar with social media platforms and will help build company online presence. Young professionals are often the one's managing social media accounts for the companies they work for, and you can bet that almost every relevant company has a presence on social media. In today's world, even failing to have/keep up with a LinkedIn account as a college student may put a student at an extreme disadvantage when it comes to securing a job.

Social media used to be fun, a form of entertainment, a way to stay in touch with friends. This, perhaps, is how it still appears to older age groups. It has, however, now become a source of stress for many young adults. It's one more thing to keep up with. What's even worse is the fact that these platforms are abused by young people. They lead the way for cyber bullying and create an environment fueled by vainness and self obsession. These platforms will not be dispensable until the majority of young people decide they are dispensable.

Removing ones self from social media means more than just missing out on the chance to interact with friends on Facebook, or share a photo from the vacation you took during fall break. It means potentially ruining one's shot at a job, missing out on academic opportunities, and losing social confidence.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

46385
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

29396
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

953699
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

162935
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments