Allie Neugeboren, Reporter
@alneugiecourant
You stare at the never-ending pile of homework beside you. Your eyes glance over to the glowing screen of your iPhone that is lighting up from the notification that someone liked your new Instagram post. Just a quick five minute break, then I’ll get back to my math packet, you promise to yourself, yet they all know five minutes turn to ten then twenty then a quick 45 minute episode on Netflix until it’s eleven o’clock at night and you’re ready to fall asleep. While there are downsides to social media that lures you in and distracts you from your school work, there are many favorable upsides to it too.
Junior at NCHS, Matt De Palo, uses social media to promote his art and pursue a future career. “I think for the kids going to regular colleges their Instagrams will be kept private and only shown to their close friends, but I know lots of other people going to art school for either fashion or photography and they send their Instagram username to colleges to look at so they can see what they post and experience their art,” he said.
Matt justifies his use of social media by sharing his art with his friends, which makes him happy. “I think it’s fun to post things and even when you’re not physically with people, you can still get attention which I love,” he said.
Senior Brooke Leddy enjoys the diversity that each social media app brings. “I like Messages because I can text all my friends, SnapChat because you can draw and, Instagram because I like looking at pictures. But, my favorite is VSCO because it’s a little more private and I feel like people can be more of themselves there,” she said.
Brooke uses social media to display a different type of art, food. Brooke along with a few other seniors at NCHS, run an Instagram, better known as a foodstagram; called @CT_munchies. “Food is just something that I really enjoy and I can connect with other people over the common ground of food. It’s really cool and fun, and it’s nice to interact with people from all over Fairfield County who send us their pictures,” she said.
Principal at NCHS, William Egan, encourages the use of social media, but reminds students that there are certain times when it’s unacceptable to use your phone. “The key is to focus when you’re in class, and take your notes. Don’t be texting friends or your parents,” Mr. Egan said.
Mr. Egan also talks about how the use of phones have changed over the time. “Years ago we used to suspend kids for using their phones, but now it’s a different world. When you’re here at school to work, you’re working, and when you have your free time you are allowed to do whatever you want on your phone, without forgetting to make appropriate decisions,” he said.
Most students say their phones never leave their side, even when they’re at home; they take their phone with them from room-to-room. On the other hand, Mr. Egan has a certain job responsibility to uphold. As a principal, he is required to be in quick contact if an emergency occurs. “As long as social media is used to celebrate and benefit things we do here at school then it’s great, but again it takes responsibility and maturity. For me it’s about kindness. Are you treating each other the way you want to be treated? And if not, you have to take a look at yourself and say okay I gotta stop doing this,” he said.
A sophomore and a “Techxpert” at NCHS, Spencer Reeves, describes his job fulfillments. “I work with a lot of teachers and they want to learn how to be able to better organize their calendar or use a new website software. We also help kids and teachers who struggle with technology and minor software fixes. We also run the makerspace in the library,” he said.
Social media is used for various reasons whether it’s to check up with long distance friends or promote your art. Spencer explains why he uses social media. “Primarily just to stay in touch with my long distance friends and family and be updated on the trends with what’s happening in the teenage world today.”
Most people can agree that social media is distracting, yet it has many personal benefits. Spencer concludes, “Social media is definitely good, just pay attention to it when you have your free time instead of during a time when you should focus on your school work. Do not let it take over your day.”
