Socially stable

Most people scroll on Instagram or apps like it daily to check up on family and friends. For graduated students there are moments of discovering that one kid from high school, and seeing the life that they present to others.

Realistic or unrealistic, that’s the only view you have of that person.

But really, how do young adults perceive social media after high school? Can there be more positives than negatives? Is constant self-identity change with large life transitions possible to navigate this day in age?

Is any of it even real?

“The way people act online after high school is surprisingly very different,” UNT student Riley Jackson said. “Since most people move out and go to college they aren’t under their parents’ influence as much. Therefore, people aren’t as modest when it comes to posting things on social media.”

There is also a superficial version of people some users notice with social media that goes hand in hand with not being under as much parental supervision.

“I think people out of high school portray a false sense of self the same way anyone of any age would,” 2022 graduate Elisena Guerrero said. “Like showing the good side of themselves and hiding the flaws.”

With the social interaction side of being out of high school, social media has its pros and cons.

“I think social media could put up a barrier between people only because people are very bold with what they say behind a screen,” Jackson said. “On the other hand, I think Tik Tok specifically brings people together and gives them something to talk about.”

As well as producing conversation starters, people are more open to new possibilities and friendships.

“People are more open to trying new things and showing their true interests because they don’t feel like they are in a box of going to school,” Guerrero said. “Or being around the people they were around for four years in high school.”

Not only can social media help graduates make friends, but it can also help them expand their career endeavors and boost sales.

“Instagram benefits college students by allowing people to network and get their own content out for everyone to see,” Jackson said. “A lot of people start businesses and it’s a great way to showcase your work.”

So, what are some realistic ways to manage a healthy relationship with social media without having as much parental supervision?

“I think social media kinda ruined my attention span for a while before I started limiting my screen time,” Guerrero said. “Reading for long periods of time was painful.”

There are always steps our generation can take to improve how we interact with others online and in person as well, and listening to others that have graduated highschool gives the opportunity to learn more about the dynamics of friendships and how we view each other with social media.

“People can maintain a healthy relationship with social media by managing time on each platform,” Jackson said. “I think a big thing with social media is people put out the best version of themselves. To become more realistic, people also need to showcase the opposite. I feel like people can relate to common struggles and that brings people together.”