As the digital age progresses, social media use is at an all-time high, especially among teenagers.
Given the seemingly endless stream of content available on these social media platforms, it’s no surprise that teens find themselves consuming content regarding their education as they navigate the early stages of their academic journeys.
One of the most significant milestones in a high schooler’s career is the college decision process, often accompanied by feelings of stress and excitement. This emotional turmoil and uncertainty surrounding college decisions can leave high school seniors susceptible to the academic influences they encounter on social media. But the fundamental question is: are these influences helping teens—or hurting them?
Academic content that caters most to teens is produced by their peers. This includes articles and videos focused on topics like résumés, college admissions and student lifestyles. These posts can portray certain colleges in an overly idealized way, persuading high schoolers to favor schools that might not be suitable for them because they look good online.
Online figures may share long lists of impressive achievements that helped them gain admission into top-tier colleges. While this is rarely fueled by ill intent, it can unintentionally result in other students feeling inadequate by comparison. As a result, there has been an influx of students who build their academic résumés upon what appears most “impressive,” rather than pursuing what they are truly passionate about–-creating a culture of inauthenticity.
However, the educational world on social media also has its positive attributes. It can foster a sense of community among students, where they can help each other through the difficulties they face on their academic journeys. These benefits can help outweigh the cons.
Ultimately, while social media’s influence can sometimes lead to comparison and misguided choices, its potential to create a network of support for students makes it a valuable tool; however, it must be navigated carefully.
