Kiana Moodley GR 10 MEADOWLANDS TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL
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One evening at dinner, everyone was together but something felt strange. Instead of talking, almost everyone had a phone in their hand. Some were watching videos, others messaging, and I was scrolling through social media. We were all at the same table, but in my opinion, we were not really present with each other.
That small moment made me realise how much social media has changed the way young people live. I decided to limit my time on social media and started following positive, educational pages. It gave me more time to focus on studying, reading and having real conversations with family and friends.
In my view, social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat are designed to keep us engaged for as long as possible. Every notification gives the brain a small burst of dopamine, the chemical linked to pleasure. This encourages us to check our phones repeatedly. I believe many teenagers feel anxious if they cannot check their phones for long periods.
I think one of the biggest effects is the pressure to appear perfect. We see carefully edited images of glamorous lives and may begin to compare ourselves, feeling that our own lives are not good enough.
In my observation, social media also affects our ability to focus. Short videos make it harder to concentrate on studying, reading or school assignments. Students keep their phones beside them while studying, which in my view harms academic performance and future opportunities. Late‑night scrolling also steals sleep, affecting mood and concentration.
However, in my experience, social media is not entirely negative. When used responsibly, I believe it can be a tool for learning and connection. It gives teenagers a platform for creativity and helps raise awareness about climate change, mental health and social justice. I think it can create a sense of belonging.
I believe the key challenge is learning to use social media in a balanced way. Setting screen time limits, turning off notifications and spending time on offline activities – sports, hobbies, reading – can, in my opinion, create a healthier relationship with technology.
In my view, parents, teachers and students all have a role to play. Instead of letting social media control us, we should use it as a tool that supports our lives, not a distraction.
Social media offers opportunities, but also challenges for mental health, focus and self‑esteem. The goal is not to avoid it completely, but to find a healthy balance between the online world and real‑life experiences. I believe small changes can help create a healthier relationship with technology.
By Kiana Moodley, Grade 10, Meadowlands Technical High School