The first discovery of man was a crackling, heated body of blended hues of oranges: fire. Every invention from then on seems to be fueled with the same fire found years ago, only mutilated by hubris. It’s safe to say the ways of man have changed with the void of human-made spears of the past now replaced by inhumanely constructed guns, stone wheels replaced with heavily polymerised plastic; each a brand-new contribution to the growing heap of waste accumulating amongst the debris of what remains of Mother Nature. The age of forthcoming technology is certainly one tainted with greed and ignorance, with complete disregard for the qualities stripped by evolution for survival in this unforgiving world that were once the mold for human essence.
Constant surveillance on one’s life; each provoked thought, whether impulsive or debated, stored meticulously in the resin of time, all contorted to fit a certain agenda: such a description brings to mind the flaw of humanity. The cruelest creation of all, out of the never-ending array of inventions profiting off the core of kindness, is most definitely social media.
Explained to a certain extent with the given description, social media, described by many, is a haven of communication; an illusion of connection wrapped in curated perfection. For teenagers, whose identities are still malleable, this illusion can be both a refuge and a weapon. For young people with still-forming identities, this illusion could be both sanctuary and tool of oppression. On one hand, social media presents an opportunity for self-discovery, expression, and connection. Teens who feel isolated in their physical setting can find relevant online communities to identify with. Voices that were hitherto restricted in terms of geography, culture, or opportunity are now empowered to seek knowledge, organize, or even rally for causes on a worldwide platform.
However, such accessibility comes with a price. Comparison, dissatisfaction, and insecurity are the results of being bombarded everyday with filtered lives and success stories. Growing up as an adolescent was never more difficult than before. They are now being observed not only by the watching eyes of fellow peers, but by the unflinching eyes of the digital world, which documents mistakes without an end. One rash social sharing could last long after one has matured.
Additionally, the addictive nature of social media is depleting attention spans and mental well-being. The sleeping habit is usually compromised in order to scroll. Also, actual conversations are interrupted to pledge allegiance to notifications. The lines between actual connection and performance are becoming increasingly blurred.
Nevertheless, basing the assessment of social media on its destructive potential would be simplistic. Just like the precedent of fire that can warm or burn depending on the way it is handled, the precedent of social media can be constructive or destructive depending on its usage.
Coming-of-age during the age of technology means being able to negotiate a space where the concepts of identification, connection, and memory are no longer transient. The impact of social media cannot be defined as savior or nemesis but is merely a reflection of the human intention behind the tool. The potential of social media being a bridge or a wall depends on the balance of cautious usage and innovation.