The Rise of Social Media in the Modern Era

For my generation, social media is crucial. Growing up in the 2000’s my life was soon encapsulated by social media - by the age of 10 I was thrown into a hurricane of online videos and communities. Of course the older generations experienced a much more gradual transition; less thrown into a hurricane rather than a gentle stroll along the complicated path that is the 21st century. However, no matter how gentle the journey technology took the wiser members of our community, you all cannot seem to resist asking the rest of us for help!

Technology and social media both play an equally essential part in a teenagers life - especially nowadays when we're confined to our homes in tier 4. Technology quickly became less of a resource, and more of a way of life. Back before the year 2000, the idea of instant communication without a face to face conversation seemed almost impossible. However, for teenagers and young adults, we couldn’t possibly picture a life without it.

Back in my mothers time, social arrangements were made via the post, or a phone call; in which one would have to enter a series of numbers every time they wanted to communicate with another. In the present day, however, with the magic of technology a phone call can be made in an instant. If one would like to make plans for the next day - or even an hour's time - it can be negotiated within minutes. Social media can bring the young people of our nation countless hours of entertainment, as I myself have witnessed first hand. Social media ranges far wider than just apps and websites - to places like the Xbox and Playstation networks. By using an Xbox or Playstation console, one can stimulate their mind while also keeping in contact with friends. It may be hard to see, but for my generation, connecting on an Xbox or Playstation is just like going to the park with friends; playing these games makes your mind work and allows time for stimulation and entertainment.

However, social media can also bring hardships; such as anxiety and grief. These factors seem to follow social media wherever it goes, however they are rarely caused by social media itself - but the sometimes cruel human nature. Torment and even cyber-bullying have occasionally appeared on our own Markyate Matters Facebook page. Although uncommon, I am sure that we as a community dont want sadness and anguish to become the forefront of our wonderful village’s community. We are better than those who unfairly chastise one another.