My Relationship
to Social Media 

According to recent statistics 60% of the world uses social media with the average user having 6 to 7 platforms with people ages 16-21 spending an average of 3 hours a day on social media. “The term “social media,” in one recent definition described as “digital platforms, services and apps built around the convergence of content sharing, public communication, and interpersonal connection”, is however not entirely clear-cut, but often used as an umbrella term for a range of Internet-based applications, including social network sites (SNS), blogs, micro-blogs, and video- or image-sharing sites, which allow users to network and distribute their own content.” (Bengtsson & Johansson). The Bengtsson and Johansson article talks about the various reasons people report using social media, the reasons being. The first reason people use social media according to the article is to fill empty slots. Some people, including me, report watching videos on Youtube or TikTok while they eat, some check Instagram while riding the bus to class or work, personally me and my roommates love watching TikTok while we workout on the treadmill, people even use social media while they go to the bathroom. Secondly, people use social media because it is just part of their ritual. One of the first things people do in the morning is reach for their cell phone and check various platforms, for me that is Snapchat. From the moment we wake up to right before we go to bed we are on social media all throughout the day. For me my ritual goes as follows; I wake up, check Snapchat, get ready, eat breakfast and watch Tiktok, then I go do my other daily tasks while still checking Facebook, Snapchat, and TikTok any chance I get. Finally right before bed I watch TikToks and Snapchat with all my friends. The third reason the article says people use social media is for mood management. Social media has become a place for people to be inspired, get life advice, or to just have a laugh. I believe it is becoming one of the first things people turn to for anything and everything they may need and it is something that we can turn to. It “can be used for purposes such as relaxation or an escape from everyday dullness, the respondents described how their social media habits could be aimed at achieving certain moods or feelings, for example, to “relax for a few seconds.” Others, similarly, emphasized how different platforms would add “fun,” “a good feeling,” “an energy kick,” or “a bit of pep.” Such responses highlight social media as a potent tool for “emotional self-regulation'''' (Bengtsson & Johansson). I personally can relate to all of these reasons and though it can be harmful and have its negative effects, I believe social media provides us with so many opportunities. We can learn new things, branch out, meet new people, connect with old friends, express ourselves in ways we may not be able to in the real world, anything is possible. That is what I love about social media and I can only see it getting better.