Make your choice: Internet or intellect?

Fri, Feb 13, 2015

Dear Society,

It has and is becoming the trend in the last couple years to see the numbers of people joining social media on the increase. Social media, as defined by Miriam Webster’s dictionary, is described as forms of electronic communication through which users create on-line communities to share information, ideas, personal messages and other content, such as pictures and videos.{{more}} While it is understood that most individuals who sign up to be part of the various on-line communities do so in the hopes of making new connections and rekindling past relationships, we have also noticed that there are individuals who join these communities for other reasons that may not be as innocent as the aforementioned.

Social networking sites such as: Facebook, Instagram, Snap Chat, Twitter and others can allow us various avenues of communication and staying connected, but it also allows the world a window into our lives. Social media encourages people to share their likes, dislikes, relationship status, the places they go and the things they do. These sites are a gateway to an invasion of one’s privacy from every angle. Instead of having a personal moment with ourselves looking through photo albums, our memories are a scroll away. In some instances, that could be a good thing or a bad thing. Maybe we post a fun photo of friends intoxicated, getting really close to a stranger. This image may seem harmless, but may not look as attractive in the context of an employer during a background check.

“Before hitting send, think for a minute.”

What about Cyber-bullying?

Cyber-bullying is common in almost every state and country in the world. From France to the Caribbean, from New York to India, social media allows the availability for predators to attack individuals anonymously or even posing as people their victims trust. Cyber-bullying can leave a deep mental scar on the victim; some are even driven to suicide. The problem has spread widely among our youth and all that needs to be said is that it is not okay.

A False Sense of Connection

Social media sites can make it tough for us to distinguish illusion from reality. Would you rather have a meaningful relationship through reality, or a casual relationship, formed through a screen? We spend all our time on these virtual or less meaningful relationships, while our emotions and communication in our real connections weaken.

Social media can make you a prisoner in your own home, simply because you’d rather look at an invention than out your window; or it can help you gain the knowledge to aspire to goals in a healthy and positive way.

Make your choice. Live your life the right way!

With great respect,

The Saint Joseph’s Convent Kingstown Young Leaders of 2015