A teenager looks at a smartphone with the TikTok logo displayed. Hannes P. Albert/dpa/picture alliance/Getty Images
Teens today are navigating a social media landscape that is both empowering and overwhelming. On one hand, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube offer a stage for creative expression, connection, and even activism. Teens can find their voice, build communities, shape conversations about social justice, climate change, and other pressing global issues, and share their perspectives with the world in ways that were b just a decade ago.
But with that freedom also comes pressure—the pressure to conform, to be "liked, loved, followed, or subscribed to" and to curate a life that fits into a filtered version of reality. Social media often serves as both a mirror and a magnifying glass for self-esteem, where one viral post can boost confidence, but one misstep can bring a wave of criticism or bullying.
According to the above news article, "About 43% of high school students who use social media frequently said that they felt persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, compared with 32% of those who used social media less often. They were also more likely to say they’ve been bullied, both at school and online, and to have seriously considered suicide."
If that many teens are negatively affected by their use of social media, why won't they just put the phones down! When I was in high school, cable television used to shut down at midnight. Today, there should be a way for the "social media gods" to "turn off" social media at a certain hour to protect the mental health of teens since they don't have the notion to get off of it on their own. Or, social media should be banned all together. Thoughts?
But with that freedom also comes pressure—the pressure to conform, to be "liked, loved, followed, or subscribed to" and to curate a life that fits into a filtered version of reality. Social media often serves as both a mirror and a magnifying glass for self-esteem, where one viral post can boost confidence, but one misstep can bring a wave of criticism or bullying.
According to the above news article, "About 43% of high school students who use social media frequently said that they felt persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, compared with 32% of those who used social media less often. They were also more likely to say they’ve been bullied, both at school and online, and to have seriously considered suicide."
If that many teens are negatively affected by their use of social media, why won't they just put the phones down! When I was in high school, cable television used to shut down at midnight. Today, there should be a way for the "social media gods" to "turn off" social media at a certain hour to protect the mental health of teens since they don't have the notion to get off of it on their own. Or, social media should be banned all together. Thoughts?
Assignment. Read and respond to the above. Click the image to read the article.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block. You do not have to include an email address or a website.
2. Respond to the post. Read the entire post, including watching any videos or reading any articles attached. Do not post vague or ambiguous commentary. Your post should have depth, be thoughtful, and provide specific, meaningful insight. Make sure it addresses the topic and encourages reflection, discussion, or a connection.
3. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
4. Language. Do NOT use profanity. Vague or repeated responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.
5. Disrespectful comments will not be accepted and will result in a zero whether you do the assignment or not.
REMINDERS
**Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.
**Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.
**How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.
CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school, your family or your upbringing with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.
DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you use profanity, you will not receive credit for the work. It's all or nothing.
WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.
Due Fri., October 25, 11:59 p.m. CST
INSTRUCTIONS
1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block. You do not have to include an email address or a website.
2. Respond to the post. Read the entire post, including watching any videos or reading any articles attached. Do not post vague or ambiguous commentary. Your post should have depth, be thoughtful, and provide specific, meaningful insight. Make sure it addresses the topic and encourages reflection, discussion, or a connection.
3. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
4. Language. Do NOT use profanity. Vague or repeated responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.
5. Disrespectful comments will not be accepted and will result in a zero whether you do the assignment or not.
REMINDERS
**Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.
**Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.
**How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.
CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school, your family or your upbringing with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.
DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you use profanity, you will not receive credit for the work. It's all or nothing.
WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.
Due Fri., October 25, 11:59 p.m. CST
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