Let's Talk Social Media: A Blessing, A Curse, and Everything In Between

Let’s talk about social media; the platforms we use to connect, rekindle, learn, and share. Embarrassingly enough, it’s also become a primary news source for many people, myself included. I often catch myself reflecting on how deeply intertwined social media is with my life. Sometimes I think about what life was like “before” social media, though I got my first instagram at age nine (yup, and on my iPad mini), so it’s hard to say I ever really had a life without it. (P.S do not let a 9 year get Instagram and forget their password, as it will be up forever.)

Obviously, there are major differences between life at eight years old and life now, but I still wonder: what would it feel like to live without the constant presence of online validation, comparison, and curated connection?

Social media is a paradox. On one hand, it's an incredible tool, a way to stay in touch with friends and family across the world, to learn about global events as they happen, to express yourself creatively, and even to discover communities that make you feel seen. On the other hand, it's a deeply flawed space, and my own experiences have shown me the darker side more times than I’d like to admit.

I’ve been a victim of cyberbullying, not just once, and not just in middle school, where you'd almost expect it, but also more recently during my freshman year of college. Turns out, some people really don’t grow up. Being targeted by people hiding behind screens has impacted the way I view relationships. It’s hard to trust people when your guard has had to be up for so long. And when digital cruelty spills into real life, it becomes more than just "internet drama", it becomes a wound that lingers.

Then there’s the most obvious and insidious demon of social media: comparison. We’ve all done it. You scroll through someone’s feed — maybe a stranger, maybe your ex’s new partner — and suddenly you're questioning everything about yourself. Your looks, your accomplishments, your social life. It’s a dangerous game, and it's one social media makes all too easy to play. It contributes to self-esteem issues, mental health challenges, and the constant pressure to perform and perfect.

But in fairness, social media isn’t all bad. I’ve reconnected with people I thought I’d lost touch with forever. I’ve learned about issues the mainstream media barely covers. I’ve found inspiring voices, creators, and communities that genuinely help me grow. There is a lot of good that can come from being online — but only if you learn how to use it with intention.

Social media is part of our world now. It’s not going anywhere. But maybe the challenge isn’t to reject it entirely, but to learn how to engage with it in a healthier, more conscious way, to reclaim our peace, protect our mental space, and remember that the most important parts of life don’t happen on a screen.