Social media has become one of the most powerful forces shaping how people connect, communicate, and express themselves. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram continue to influence daily life, from the clothes people wear to the challenges they try. These “trends” can be fun and creative, but they are also important questions about how social media affects our culture and decision-making.
Many students today say that social media plays a huge role in their daily lives. It has become a place to share ideas, follow trends, and stay in touch with friends, yet the speed at which trends spread can make it difficult to separate the positive from the negative, especially for Young users who are still learning to navigate online spaces.
Junior Grace O’Neill enjoys the creative and social side of online trends: “TikTok dances like Renegade and clothing trends” are some of her favorites, she said. O’Neill explained that platforms like TikTok and Instagram help her stay connected with friends and keep up with what’s popular. But O’Neill also admitted that she isn’t a fan of every platform “ I could live without Snapchat” she said adding that it often feels unnecessary.
Not all social media trends are harmless. O’Neill noted some online challenges can even be dangerous, such as the cinnamon challenge, for example, which that can actually make people sick or even die. She said, pointing out the risks behind viral content that’s often shared without warning. Her observation highlights a serious issue: some Trends prioritize attention over safety, making critical thinking more important than ever.
Freshman Victoria Snow also offered her perspective on social media. She enjoys fun trends like the poison candy game, but she isn’t impressed with weird outfit trends and TikTok dances. Snow believes that certain styles are overdone. Cheetah print clothing, camo and tie dye are just overhyped, she said. She also shared concerns about online behavior that goes too far; pranking teachers and police officers is one Trend she believes should not exist. Snow emphasized that people don’t always consider the consequences of their actions online, which can lead to dangerous situations or misunderstandings
Music teacher, Mr. CraigKemp believes social media offers both opportunities and challenges.
“t’s a good way to stay connected and make the world feel smaller,” he said, noting that algorithms help people from different backgrounds interact and exchange ideas.
However, he cautioned that social media is not inherently good or bad. “It depends on how it’s used,” Kemp explained. “There’s no real fact-checking for what people post online.
Social media is constantly evolving and trendsTrends move faster than ever before. Wwhat’s popular one week may disappear the next replaced by a new challenge meme or fashion fad. AaAs Kemp suggested, the key is not labeling social media as strictly good or bad, it’s about how we choose to engage with it. Bby staying informed and thoughtful, users can enjoy the benefit while avoiding the pitfalls making social media a space for connection, expression, and positive influence.
