Forum: Learn to use social media intentionally

Social media has become almost impossible to avoid in my life now. I use it to connect with my friends and share good things that happen in my life. But I’m also starting to notice that it is influencing how I think and see the world. 

I remember my life in elementary school. Back then, social media wasn’t as popular and in many ways, my life was slower. I could spend an entire afternoon writing comics without getting distracted. But now it feels harder to give my full attention to one thing with the phone by my side. 

I have experienced both the positive and negative sides of social media. I enjoy liking my friends’ posts and watching different videos. However, seeing perfectly edited photos and other people’s “successful” lives often makes me compare myself with them, making me stressed and discouraged. But the more I scroll to try and feel better, the more drained I feel until hours have passed.

Luckily, I realised that the problem is not social media itself, but the way I choose to use it. So I started to limit my screen time. I unfollowed accounts that made me feel pressured. And these small changes do affect my life. Now I feel my mind is clearer and my mood has improved. Most importantly, I’m feeling more present in life. 

That is why I believe young people need to learn to use social media. Parents shouldn’t delete the apps, but teach their children how to use them intentionally. For example, we need to follow only accounts that inspire us. With better use, social media can be a tool that supports our well-being instead of harming it.

Sunyu Zhang, 15
Grade 9