The efficiency of technology, specifically the internet, has allowed adolescents to share information quickly, create awareness and obtain support for almost any cause. The internet can also accelerate learning with knowledge being immediately accessible at all times. However, with every blessing comes a curse. The Internet has taken its toll on the most recent generations -- specifically, today’s adolescents.
While observing teenagers at the University of Miami, it was simple to conclude that the presence of social media has interrupted the lives of adolescents on a daily basis. It's become a presence so strong that they cannot seem to live happily without it. Welcome to the era of the Social Media Craze.
I was able to notice this scene play out multiple times on campus. I saw girls taking selfies while working out, taking pictures of themselves with their friends by the library, and posting videos of their mundane, daily habits. For instance, at Starbucks, I saw girls that seemed more excited to to be sharing pictures of their food and drinks on social media than for enjoying the treats for themselves. In the parking lot, I noticed a couple taking selfies for over half an hour until the young male got impatient and they finally got into their car.
The question of social media overuse is everywhere. Carlyn Bradarich (Miss Iowa), while competing in the prestigious and nationally-televised Miss USA 2014 competition, was asked a very relevant question from judge Melissa Peterman. Peterman asked if Bradarich agreed that “narcissism is an epidemic” and that America's youth today are turning into a "hyper-entitled, self-absorbed generation" because of their constant social media usage. Carlyn responded that she does agree that “social media and technology has allowed the youth to post pictures of themselves and videos of themselves. That kinda, to me, seems narcissistic.”
This idea rings true though the music industry as well. Trinidad James, in his song “All Gold Everything” (2012), sings “Shout-out to them freshmen/On Instagram straight flexin” which shows that young adults are very concerned with their social media appearance.
I do agree that our presence on social media has become a priority and that we're forcing real life experiences to sit on the back-burner. Why live life behind a screen or a cell phone camera lens, where there is so much to be experienced first hand?
