This generation's youth is more powerful and influential than ever. Social media platforms and new opportunities have made it far more feasible for teens to speak their minds and share their stories for the whole world to see. As a 16-year-old, my parents' and grandparents' teenage generations were far less inclined to form opinionated viewpoints and share them. It was often improper or disrespectful to stray from the opinions that their parents withheld. However, nowadays many teens form their own viewpoints and disagree with those of their parents.

Through social media outlets such as Twitter and Instagram, youth across the globe can share how they feel about a wide range of topics spanning from music to politics to gender issues, etc. I have witnessed tweets from friends and followers that simply share their stand on a social issue or go to the extent to bash the government. The widespread availability of fast access to news and current events also makes it easier for today's youth to formulate opinions. I pride my generation in its ability to be original in their viewpoints and create them for themselves.

World and local events spread like wildfire over these social media platforms. The average youth can be their own mobile reporter nowadays. If an event is going on near you, it is incredibly simple to whip out a phone or iPad and report on or record what is going on. From there, sharing is simple. The access that today's generation has to what is going on makes people so in tune. However, by being in tune, strong opinions form. This can lead to conflicting viewpoints and arguments on various social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter. People who express their opinions are often torn down and attacked on social media, which is a downturn to the immediacy of the millennial. Countless young people experience the backlash of expressing their opinions, but that doesn't stop this generation.

All in all, growing up in a world surrounded by technology and change, I have learned to form and even share my own opinions. Whether or not one decides to voice them on social media platforms, it is still nice to have that option! Cheers to a generation that is not afraid to use their voice.