"With the continued popularity of younger folks spending extended time on social media, the amount of young influencers have increased, giving Gen Z the walk of fame. Though it makes sense why fresher faces are stealing the spotlight through online platforms, is it a good thing?"--Lindsey Higgins, 8th grade
It is already quite apparent that kids' technology use has been going up recently. According to Techrepublic, “63% of teens are using social media more than they did pre-pandemic.” This same article also states that, "[social media] can threaten a young person's social and psychological well-being." Even if a young person’s social media isn’t reaching a certain level of fame, their well being can plummet.
The Guardian recently reported that Facebook just leaked tests showing just how toxic Instagram is for teenagers, especially teenage girls. With more proof, a Facebook document reads, “We [Instagram] make body image issues worse for one in three teen girls.” Even when huge companies have the evidence that they are harming the psychological well being of kids, it is something that they are refusing to acknowledge.
With all this known, should we be allowing kids to have total freedom on their social media platforms? Charlotte Julian, an 8th grader, shared her perspective on it. “I definitely do not think so! Because it puts a lot of pressure on kids for one, for instance a little white kid could say the N-word on a live platform, because they dont know its wrong, and then all the people drag them for it, and also some of the people watching could be kids and then after their idol said it then they would think they should say it,” Julian expressed.
A recent New York Times article written by Taylor Lorenz states that “Creators have encountered all kinds of problems, including bullying, harassment and discrimination.” People's harsh opinions online can really take it one step too far, including death threats.
Raven Benitez, an 8th grader commented about what should change throughout social media.
“Bullying, because it goes too far to the point that someone takes their own life,”Benitez said.
Look no further than September’s Met Gala. Social media comments got pretty crude to influencers like 20 year-old TikTok star Addison Rae, 20 year-old Youtube star Emma Chamberlain, 20 year-old TikTok star, Dixe D'amelio, and 22 year-old Madison Beer who got her start out on Youtube.
When others noticed that these stars were going to appear on the red carpet of the Met Gala they were furious, and started to show their wrath through their online comments.
“I honestly think it was fair that they got criticism, because I don't think they did as much to get to their place vs a non-influencer,” said Julian.
It’s also important to note that most of these platforms are pushed by the adults or guardians, as truly they're the ones behind the camera indulging the experience. Recently other Youtubers, such as Stephanie Lang, have talked about the more specific issues with “Mommy Bloggers” and their increased use of using their very young children for profit.
Since these kids in the mommy blogs are usually around the age of newborns to ten year olds, they don't really get the power of telling their parents if they want to be filmed or not. This situation is something that people have been trying to get laws passed to protect, as it is almost like child labor.
This topic is continuing to be a controversial one, but it is good for people to remember to take breaks and give care to their mental health, and also enjoy their childhood and young adulthood the most they can. You do not need to be famous to be happy and healthy!
This topic is continuing to be a controversial one, but it is good for people to remember to take breaks and give care to their mental health, and also enjoy their childhood and young adulthood the most they can. You do not need to be famous to be happy and healthy!