By: LAUREN LANDIN
Staff Writer
Social media is quickly evolving in front of our eyes and it is almost impossible to avoid this new form of media. Editor of the Health and Science desk, Virginia Hugues supports her claim by providing evidence of Dr. Jenson stating, “‘it carries risks — peer influence, contagion, substance use,’ Dr. Jensen said. ‘But it can also carry lots of positive things,’ like support, connection, creativity, and skill mastery, she added. ‘I think a lot of times that does get overlooked because we’re so focused on risks’” (Hugues 22). Not only is it an important part of socialization within peer groups but now the media is used to market and motivate people to become a part of a larger community. It is undeniably changing the way our society communicates and how one finds and shares information. Most social media outlets offer communication through various forms such as: through the use of Facebook messenger, Instagram direct messaging, Twitter, Youtube, Discord, and many various blog formats. With new apps, better camera quality, and additional recording capabilities, media can easily be created, edited, and shared around quickly.” Through these new advances in technology, one can share things about themselves for the world to view. Social media platforms offer adolescents new ways to access communication and entertainment, however, the long-term effects are still unclear. For this reason, it is essential for parents to be more aware of this new media and what it offers to their children.