Surfing or Sinking? The Internet's Treacherous Waters

 

    In this modern world, technology has permeated every aspect of civilization and livelihoods. In my modern world, it has become my “middleman” of a way to live. From the way I communicate to the manner in which I consume media, and even the simple way of making time go by faster, the digital revolution has transformed this modern world's daily experience, while simply forming my daily experience. As more and more generations are coming into the common world we share, it is important to look towards the promises of technological advancements, while also reflecting on the pitfalls that came with it.

    From the rudimentary days of the internet beginning officially on January 1,1983, the significant milestone in human history was formed, ushering this brand new era of connectivity and innovation. This network of networks revolutionized how information was consumed, creating new opportunities for learning, entertainment, and relationship not just with the tech itself but with the platforms it made way to. Though many of our parents or maybe even siblings may recall, their first experience with social media was found in MySpace. MySpace was a social networking service based in the United States. It was the first social network to reach a global audience and had a significant influence on technology, pop culture and music. But the very first social media platform was Six Degrees, a platform created in 1997 that enabled users to upload a profile and make friends with other users. However basic sounding, this platform gave way to others like MySpace, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. These all reshape our social landscapes and become an integral aspect to our identities and interactions. 

    While these platforms offered vast opportunities, they also came with and will continue to have inherent risks, which can often be overlooked amidst the excitement of new. For example, downloading an app typically involves granting permissions that may compromise privacy, such as location tracking and access to personal data like contacts—permissions that many users accept without fully understanding their implications. Reflecting on my own experiences with platforms like Instagram in my middle school years, I realize that the thrill of being like my friends around me often masked my awareness of what I was actually agreeing to. This is a common scenario among younger users, where the allure of social media engagement can overshadow an understanding of privacy and data security.

    The influence of media on our perceptions and behaviors is profound. Digital environments can become addictive, subtly shaping our interactions and self-image. What starts as simple app usage can be internally evolved, impacting how we view ourselves and the world. Social media is a double-edged sword, offering vast opportunities and information access but also posing significant addiction risks. Platform algorithms are designed to maximize user engagement by exploiting our desires for approval and recognition. The intermittent rewards of likes, comments, and shares activate the brain's pleasure centers in a way proven to be similar to gambling. Furthermore, constant exposure to idealized portrayals of others' lives can distort our perceptions of normalcy and success, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. This is particularly harmful for younger individuals who are at critical stages of identity and self-worth development.

    Reflecting on my teenage years, during the height of my engagement with Instagram and other social media platforms, I was drawn to the constant buzz of online activity. It was more than just a way to stay connected; it felt like a necessary part of fitting in. Social media, by design, taps into our deepest desires for approval and recognition, creating addictive loops of interaction that have been proven to feel as compelling as gambling. This addiction to digital approval had severe real-life consequences for many of us. During my middle and high school years, the urge to participate in online trends often led us down dangerous paths. One example was the Tide Pods Challenge, which swept through our age group. Compelled by the trend and the desire to fit in, several peers suffered serious health consequences—some even life-threatening. The pressure to join in, fueled by the fear of missing out, was immense and often overwhelming.

    The impact of such trends on our mental health was devastating. The endless stream of perfected images and curated lives pushed many of us into a spiral of inadequacy and isolation. This is especially harmful to adolescents, who are at pivotal stages of forming their identities. The relation between the rise in social media use and increased rates of depression and anxiety among my peers was deeply worrying—a trend that underlines the urgent need for us to address the influence of social media on young minds.

    These negative feelings are more than fleeting moments of envy or sadness; they can have long-lasting impacts on mental health. Recent research has shown troubling correlations between increased social media use and heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. Notably, some studies have linked extensive social media use to increased risks of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly among adolescents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates among individuals aged 10-24 increased by nearly 60% from 2007 to 2018, a period that coincides with the rise of social media. While it is worth it to note that causation cannot be surly attributed to social media alone - given the nature of mental health issues - the connection presents a case for concern and further exploration.

    However, technology is not solely detrimental. During the global pandemic, technology served as a lifeline. It enabled me to continue my education remotely, to maintain friendships over distances, and to engage with new ideas and cultures without leaving my home. Technology has the power to democratize information, to make learning accessible to everyone with an internet connection. It fosters innovation, encourages creativity, and opens up new pathways for discovery. As we look to the future, the dual nature of technology will continue to shape society. The potential for technological advancement is immense, if responsibly harnessed. However, privacy and mental health concerns remain significant challenges.

    Most crucially in our path to keeping sanity we should foster a culture where disconnecting from technology is as valued as connecting through it. This involves creating norms and practices that encourage regular digital detoxes and setting boundaries around technology use. Schools, workplaces, and communities can play significant roles in this regard by promoting policies that balance technology use with offline activities. Encouraging activities that do not require screens—like reading books, engaging in outdoor activities, or pursuing hobbies that cultivate physical and mental health—can help mitigate the overreliance on digital devices.

    Our relationship with technology is complex, filled with challenges but filled with opportunities. As we continue to explore this relationship, I want to strive to be responsible and informed users of technology, ensuring a healthier, more secure, and connected world. Thank you for your attention.