Unplugging from the Social Media Rat Race: Dangers Gen Z Should Be Aware Of

Like many of the other blogs on this site, the following essay is from a college application during my junior year. Though, this essay was very personal to me and I felt as though it has the potential to impact others in a positive way. We should all mointor our use on social media...

Prompt: Tell us about a topic or social issue for which your opinion has changed. How has your change in perspective influenced your actions?

Answer: Throughout life, humans are constantly in pursuit of fulfillment. Whether in the form of eating food to feel full, staying organized to feel prepared, or spending massive amounts of time on social media to feel entertained. While the intention to seek fulfillment is pure and right, spending too much time on social media can become an unhealthy habit. This was an issue in my life at one point, because I would spend up to five to six hours a day on social media. This was due to the fact that most of my peers were doing the same so I hadn't thought anything wrong about it. That is, until I slowly started to become more and more distressed. This led me to take a step back and analyze my time spent online. For years I was constantly indulging in the seemingly fun and exciting lives of others on social media and at the same time ignoring the things in front of me in my life. Things that most of the people of my generation took for granted. I was ignoring the environment that I was blessed with. The environment that included a loving family, safe neighborhood, and great friends. I had finally become mindful enough to see that happiness in life is a choice. I decided to make a shift in perspectives and start improving myself. I began to meditate and journal every day for 365 days consecutively. As a result, I've now become conscious of the choices I make and have taken action to impact the world around me in a positive way. This includes running a motivational clothing brand with the mission to inspire others, being the president of a diversity club in my community, and speaking at a Martin Luther King event at my school. Through this journey, I've come to understand that true fulfillment comes from within and can never be found on social media. I am now in full control over my emotions and mentality and no longer bound by the things that bring forth negative feelings or thoughts. By becoming aware of my environment and the power that lies within me, I have been able to attain true fulfillment.