Social Media Hypnosis is killing our intellect. You are getting stupid, very stupid…. Graphic courtesy of Design Editor Owen Blackwell.

  Students at San Luis Obispo High School use social media to keep up with friends, share what they are up to, and as a source of entertainment. Some spend upwards of three hours a day on apps like Instagram and TikTok, and around half of US teenagers, say they are online almost constantly. What would happen if students went without it? Here are three things that are learned when students remove social media from their phones.

  Number one, it’s okay to not know. It’s okay to not follow what friends and acquaintances are doing all the time. Not having social media helps students focus on their own life and experiences. If friends want to communicate something valuable or tell a story, they could text them, or better yet, talk to them in person.  

  Number two, it’s okay not to share. Students are so used to sharing their every thought on their story, and instantly reaching hundreds of people.

  “Not having social media makes you think. You don’t have that instant gratification anymore,” said Senior Josiah McCarley, who is taking a break from social media.

  If students have thoughts they want to share, an alternative is having a meaningful conversation with another person.

  Lastly, being bored is good. If students are never bored, many will not take the time to read a book for fun, experiment with art, or spend quality time with their family. 

  Students should at least try a week without social media and see what happens, maybe they’ll make it permanent.

Sources: Pew Research Center