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SOCIAL MEDIA
Story and photo illustrations by Madalyn Blackshear
FOMO, self-esteem & time management UPbeat
SOCIAL MEDIA, AS IT exists today, is a powerful and pervasive part of nearly everyone’s lives. Beginning with roots in the telegraph in 1792, media used for social interaction has drastically evolved to become a near necessity for success and relevance in the modern world. While there are many positive opportunities that social media creates, it can also have negative effects on self-esteem, cause FOMO (fear of missing out) and lead to poor time management.
“I do think that social media can affect self-esteem,” senior Landon Richard said in an email interview. “If the person using the social media can’t see that most people are primarily posting their highlight reels, then I would suggest for them to have time limits set on their social media accounts.” Seniors Sophie Hurley and Jackie Espinoza also said they recognize and can relate to the effect that social media has on a person’s confidence.
“People treat social media as a place to pretend to be perfect, and there are times when I doubt myself and think that I do not live up to that standard,” Hurley said. Having a constantly available stream of what appears to be the most glamorous, perfect or exciting moments of others’ lives can also create a sense of anxiety known as FOMO — a pervasive apprehension that others might be having rewarding experiences from which SPRING 2022 • PAGE 8
