Everyday, seven days a week, 24 hours a day, people are handcuffed to their phones, either taking pictures, texting, or most importantly, using social media.

Social media has taken storm. With apps such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and many more, adults, teens, and even kids are just thumbing on their phones.

I am neutral about social media.

I believe the good things about social media are that it provides basic information, and many people get their information through social media. For example, if North Star News is having a bake sale and wants it promoted, students will see that there will be a bake sale tomorrow and will remember to bring their money. In addition, the reason why I think social media is good for people is because there are so many varieties. There are games for education and learning, articles, and games. Another reason why I like social media is because I get to communicate with my friends. If I forgot what the homework in math class was I would just ask a friend on Facebook and I won’t have an incomplete homework assignment.

With every good thing there always comes a bad. Even though social media looks safe and communicative, it comes with a bundle of chaos. I don’t like social media because it it very dangerous. Cyber bullying is growing more and more. People are making fun of others on the Internet and many people are hurt through words. I believe that all social media should have a certain age limit and parental confirmation for people to make an account. Maybe this will limit the amount of cyber bullying. Another reason why I think the Internet is bad is because some things posted on the Internet are inappropriate. This will teach kids bad things. I believe that if teens and children are removed form inappropriate images and videos, then in the future they will not make bad choices.

“As an older sister with an eleven year old brother who loves technology and the web, I’m definitely fearful of the consequences from inappropriate material on the internet,” junior Trize Stephen-Pons said.

The main reason why I dislike social media because of the phrase “stranger danger”. Many adults sexually harass and bully teens and tweens who think the strangers are young, “attractive”, and someone who understand their problems. This is just many of the ways children get kidnapped and killed. I believe parents should not only see what their child is doing online, but also see how their kid is doing or if something is bothering them.

I’m obsessed with Instagram because I love taking pictures, but I have to be careful of who follows me, who I know, and what I should post.

Remember, always be safe online and find good opportunities. Inform an adult if you feel threatened or bullied. Safety always comes first.