Graduates are concerned over prominence of technology

By Annabella Potts Student Intern

The Class of 2023 is troubled with the rise of social media and technological advancements, social polarization and declining mental health among their peers.

OKC FRIDAY asked our local All-Star Scholarship and Leadership Teams from the special May 26 Class of 2023 tabloid to address some of the greatest issues facing their generation.

With such a reliance on social media and technology, students expressed discontent with the isolating experience of communicating through screens. Many graduates feel unaligned with the present, as Sydney Brown from Mount St. Mary Catholic High School explained.

“I believe social media is a concern that is unfortunately creating many problems in my generation,” Brown said. “Teens are believing the lies told to them from behind their screens and it’s made it impossible to truly experience life without the distraction of a phone or needing to capture the given moment.”

2023, the Ron Allie Activity Center proudly bears the name of a venerable educator and one of Goddard Youth Camp’s most ardent supporters,” said the camp’s director, Clayton Edgar, who presented Allie with a proclamation of the building’s naming. Attending the presentation were Allie’s wife, Betsy, and longtime fifth grade teachers and faculty campers, Holly Carlin ’89 and Connie Martin.

Putnam City North High School graduate Piper Bush said the lack of regulation across various social media platforms opens up a dangerous space online.

“Although social media can be great for the spread of new ideas, its power to influence persons of all ages, particularly our youth, is enormous,” Bush said. “Without appropriate safeguards, information is available at inappropriate ages and unrealistic expectations are set for

See CONCERNS, Page 7