Today, nearly half of the adult population owns a smartphone. And to no surprise, this number is only increasing.

Smartphone use has become a social norm to most of the younger population creating a new culture within its users. While the younger generations are experiencing life, joined by these gadgets almost every step of the way, many of the older generation members are complaining about these smart tools and ridiculing the consumption of social media in our youth.

Social media is defined by Business Dictionary as follows:

“Primarily internet or cellular phone based applications and tools to share information among people. Social media includes popular networking websites, like Facebook and Twitter; as well as bookmarking sites like Digg or Reddit. It involves blogging and forums and any aspect of an interactive presence which allows individuals ability to engage in conversations with one another, often as a discussion over a particular blog post, news article, or event."

This speedy and efficient way of delivering information is something else! And although these networkers and social media consumers might be frowned upon, here’s a little bit of why I’m proud to be considered a social media-holic.

This is who we are.

The process of documenting every step of life has never been easier thanks to social media. Or how about the long-lost once-removed cousin your mom wouldn’t let you talk to who you’re now friends with on Facebook? Social media has given us a place to find others, connect with new places, and at the same time, find ourselves. No, I do not mean that social media has helped cure this addiction, break this spell of love, or heal my sick mind. But social media has allowed me, personally, to show off my artistic passion and talent, keep in touch with distant family, and keep up with the world -- all in one place.

The generation that utilizes social media the most is filled with geniuses.

Shocking but true (even if I can’t show statistics for it). High-volume social media consumers are more likely to see things first, know things first, and ultimately, react first. This creates a primetime for this population to change quicker, propose innovative ideas faster, and continue learning from social media. In a recent conversation regarding a reworked model of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs proposed by Dr. Pamela Rutledge, social connection is the most necessary need; she suggests that “without collaboration, there is no survival” and states that “connection is a prerequisite for survival, physically and emotionally.”

Social media is an outlet that creates this social connection in an easy, quick way, in turn creating a great playing ground for cultivating new projects and ideas.

But things do go wrong...

I will not say I completely disagree with individuals ridiculing and exposing the negative effects of too much social media. There is a difference between utilizing social media and consuming a lot of it, and abusing and consuming way too much of it. Finding the happy medium (and leaving out the abuse) is the important part.

When consumers are using social media beneficially, they are sharing posts regarding worldwide events, current events. They are sharing the posts that have knowledgeable information provided by a reliable source. They are becoming marketers by sharing their shopping finds and new favorite products. And they are collaborating while helping build networks by sharing and liking their favorite musicians (local or not), celebrities and companies.

High-volume social media consumers are becoming more educated and well-rounded consumers thanks to some of the knowledge they are gathering from social media. This is where successes can be attributed to the use of social media.

Imagine the time you first saw your old high school friend’s engagement announcement. For me, that was thanks to Instagram and Facebook. Or how about last week when France was attacked. Where did you first see that? For me, that was thanks to Facebook. Recalls -- social media. Deaths -- social media. Scary weather -- social media. New products -- social media. Justin Bieber -- social media. Recipes -- social media. Come on, guys, we all know the list could continue!

Needless to say, my overall argument is truly no argument; it’s just the truth. I am proud to be a high-volume social media consumer because I know it is helpful. There are most certainly the right and wrong times to consume. In class is definitely not ideal, but the minute I’m out, I’m all about it! The generations before mine that were not comforted by smartphones throughout childhood and young adult years just don’t see the positive, because there are plenty of negative things extruding from the social media overload. However, when the positives are highlighted, it seems that social media can save lives, share stories, and cultivate a sense of positivity, or happiness, among consumers.

Social media is another world -- often not someone’s reality, but occasionally part of his or her future. Or possibly a current snap of the moment, and a life spared. These platforms are doing great things for people all over the world. It is time that we be proud social media consumers, and prove that our smartphones and social media do not define us; we define them and what they can be used for!

Now, to check Instagram for the latest Justin Bieber post (I may have Bieber fever, oh well).