Unit 3

As an eighteen-year-old college student living the in 21St century, I use social media every day. The first thing I do when I wake up is go on Snapchat and check my Instagram feed. Before my professor comes to class, I check my phone, walking back to my dorm I am constantly looking down at my phone not paying attention to my surroundings. Phones nowadays are used as an escape from the real world and to get out of social interactions. I would say I enjoy being on my phone, but I would not say that I am addicted to it. I know when to put my phone away. For example, with my grandparents, at dinner, church, and important events I am attentive and interact without the need to be on my phone. Sometimes I wish I could have grown up in the 1970’s or 1980’s when technology was just coming out, but it was still limited. I watch on Netflix the series That 70’s Show, and times just seemed a lot simpler. The characters were not glued to their phones, but instead they did other activities around the house, outside, or drove around for fun. My mom grew up in that same time period and would always tell me about what her and her friends would do for fun. I wish my friends and I would go for a hike or go bowling, but instead we go to one of our houses and watch tv or go out to eat and spend money. Throughout high school my experience with technology was pretty normal, but at the same time is was also very stressful. Girls were always posting on social media about their boyfriends and girlfriends, or the latest gifts their mom and dads got them, which put a lot of pressure on me to keep up with everyone. Overall, I believe that social media can have a positive and negative influence on my life but there are ways we can improve and advance.