I have always been a firm believer that social media has negatively effected society. I think that electronics have progressed to a point in which civilization has become blind to their dependence. Ultimately, technology has lessened social interactions and one-on-one relationships, worsened physical health of adolescents, and minimized the environmental impact due to consumerism.

Facebook, however, is different in it’s own way.

Facebook has undoubtably lead to the rise of social media. In such a short period of time, it has accomplished so much more than any other app. It has advanced from a website for college students to an international media platform.

This international media platform has the capability to connect me to myriads of people around the world. It allows me to check in on my cousins in North Dakota or my friends that have traveled to colleges across the country. It provides me the ability to stalk individuals before I meet them in person—a solid profile picture says a lot about a human. It gives me news updates. It lets me privately message a friend. It creates groups for people to come together over a certain subject or common bond. It contains humor and it contains serious issues. It even advocates for controversial topics. We take it for granted.

The other day, it was Facebook that informed me of the stabbing at Ohio State University. That same day, I got a notification saying that my friend, a student at OSU, was safe. The next day, it was Facebook that informed me of the wildfires that have been occurring in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. And that same day, I got a notification saying that my friend, who lives in Tennessee, was safe. It was a very relieving moment.

We’ve grown up with Facebook. We’ve transformed from “truth is” statues in middle school to life updates as friends move across the country and start new lives. I am able to share my accomplishments through posts, pictures, and shares. Facebook has this power of instilling confidence upon it's users. One single "like", or two hundred, can raise someone's self-assurance instantly.

While Facebook and other social media platforms do have many negative attributes, it is empowering how one single website can connect the entire world. If only there was less false news…but hey, there’s always room for improvement.