Addicted to the Distraction
SOCIAL MEDIA IS A BIG ISSUE WHEN IT AFFECTS THE REAL WORLD
CAN BE VERY DISTRACTING
Social media has been growing in popularity since the twenty-first century, but has become a worrisome topic in the last few years regarding teenagers. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have been set up much as a distraction from reality than a small break time from homework. Not only that, but “parents feel technology is taking over their children’s lives and having a detrimental (harmful) effect on family relationships”(Geelong Advertiser). Children even tend to spend more time on their phone than anything else. Many parents are “simply bewildered” by their little control on the isolation of teens and tweeting. At least at school, devices are not the problem. Once they get home, it is almost like media took over their lives. Losing track of their children’s whereabouts and moving from place to place are only some of the ways parents are seeing social media as a distraction.
The obsession is frightening many parents, but banning their kid’s device is not the right way to go. “All banning does is cause problems because the kids can be almost addicted(to their devices)”(Geelong Advertiser). They need to regain control by encouraging them to set limits. For example, when the kids get back from school, they do an hour of homework, and afterwards get their phone back. Parents could even include family time once in awhile, so their child is not so consumed in social media. Teens could even set limits for themselves, too. When they need to study or do homework, they should put their phone in a different room or give it to their parents. Social media does not need to be a distraction, but a break time from the real world.
Snapchat
^_^ All images used are copyright free ^_^
CYBERBULLYING
An article on cyberbullying describes this issue as “using your device, or a way of communicating online to send hostile or derogatory messages or even obscene photos with the intent of harassing or harming the reputation of another person” (Pro/Con Leading Issues). Cyberbullying is most common between teenagers and is the most effective way of bullying. Social Media is the number one platform for cyberbullying. It is not taken lightly and there could be very serious consequences to your actions. The reason why it is so popular is because anyone can be a cyberbully and stay anonymous. Even if you would never consider yourself a bully, by being able to hide your face, you say things you would never really say. You may think it is a joke with your friends to post an embarrassing photo of someone or to spread fake and harmless rumors, but it could very much affect that person in a negative way. Cyberbullying is online for everyone to see and can never be taken down; what is put on the internet stays on the internet.
The rule of treating others the way you want to be treated should apply online, too. Everyday, people try putting a stop to cyberbullying by making flyers and campaigns, but it will never completely go away. None of us like the idea of cyberbullying, but yet we do nothing effective enough to stop it. The fact that it is unavoidable does not stop schools from trying though. In fact, schools want to stop this form of bullying so bad that, according to a recent article, “some states require school districts to establish policies to protect against cyberbullying and to punish the bullies” (Pro/Con Leading Issues). Every social media website also gives you the option to put your account on “private”, so you do not get any unwanted visitors. Anyone who is getting cyberbullied can also use the “block” or “report” option, which most social media websites have to stop the bully. No one wants to be bullied online, and no one should be.
Ryan Wallace and Valeria Gutierrez
Valeria: In charge of the thesis and last two paragraphs.
Work Cited
Geelong Advertiser, Nov 02, 2013, p3, 1p