Social media is a constant distraction. Graphic courtesy of junior Emily Kohler.

 It’s pretty safe to say that a majority of San Luis Obispo High School students use some form of social media. Instagram, a platform that allows students to share photos, is particularly popular among SLOHS students.

  The app itself can be a beneficial way for people to interact and connect with each other. However, the way that many teens use Instagram often fosters unhealthy comparison and negatively impacts mental health.

  Because of a strong desire to fit in with their peers, many teens spend time worrying about judgment they may face on an app designed to connect people with each other.

  “If you see someone’s Instagram post, it’s often not the reality. And while we are entering a more body positive era of social media, there are still a lot of people who Photoshop their pictures, which makes other people feel inadequate,” said junior Talia Ramezani.

  Although social media is meant for communication and connection, there is a complete lack of authenticity on these platforms, especially Instagram. It brings into question the very purpose of social media, when so many people post simply for validation from their peers, focused more on numbers than sharing genuine moments with friends.

  Some students, however, have learned to use Instagram in a healthy way.

  “Personally, I use social media just to post cute pictures or talk to my friends. I think when I’m able to interact with friends, even when we’re apart, it’s really beneficial for me,” said junior Alana Spearman.

  Others simply delete their social media when they begin to feel that it doesn’t serve them.

  “Sometimes social media makes me feel inadequate, which is why I keep deleting Instagram. I do this if I feel like it’s increasingly having a negative impact on my mental health. I’ll step aside from that and take a break, and I recommend that to anyone who feels the pressure as well,” said junior Lana Goodman.

  If more people work on paying attention to their mental health needs, we can hopefully create an environment where teens are less reliant on social media, especially as a form of validation.

  Tigers, go take up a new hobby, go outside, and focus on your relationships in the physical world — it’s okay not to be on social media all the time.

Source: mayoclinic.org