Pro by Lorin Alukonis
What makes our generation different from previous ones is our use of advanced technology. Hundreds of times a day the little pocket computers are picked up to do everyday activities such as putting important events on the calendar or scrolling through social media platforms. However, the main focus of this generation is the camera. Everyday, millions upon millions of people press the red button to record or take pictures and out of those millions there are those who post these moments on social media.
Every minute the human race live their separate lives and constantly make memories while also forgetting ones in the past. By taking a picture of a homecoming proposal, all big and small details in that exact moment are captured. People constantly go back to their saved photos to look at videos and pictures from years ago because they miss how those times were. Taking pictures now will be worth it when looking back at these moments in the future.
Yes, of course people skip through others’ stories when spamming a concert because they don’t want to waste their time watching it if they are uninterested. The point of taking all of those videos isn’t really for them to see but to have videos of something that may not ever be experienced again. When someone takes out their phone and begins to record a moment the first instinct isn’t about creating jealousy; it is so those moments on their phone are experienced again. Everyone wants to remember these moments and taking pictures helps with that motive.
In school, when a student records or takes photos, it may be out of boredom, but they don’t record and take pictures during the whole 52 minutes. Recording friends is a common act because, subconsciously, everyone knows that friends won’t be there forever. It is common knowledge that after high school graduation, friends move away to colleges across the country, and after a couple years, they stop communicating and become just another face.
It is great to take a break from phones and enjoy life as it is, but every now and then take a video or take a picture of the moment because it will never be the same once everyone grows up. These memories are meant for one to reflect on their life and all the great times they make of it. Take that picture because in the future it will all be worth it.
Con by Izzie Thornley
With Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter becoming increasingly popular amongst teenagers, a new obsession has evolved. Every generation has its quirks and successes, but this groups’ main interest consists of posting never-ending photos and videos to every online platform, so they can inform their followers–whether they actually know them or not– that they are having a better time and overall, a better life. In a way, these rising young adults live by the slogan, “pictures or it didn’t happen.”
No matter the situation, teens cannot put down their phones. Nowadays, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a high school couple on a “date,” yet instead of actually bonding, they spend their precious time staring down at a phone screen. The one time they might actually look at one another occurs when they decide to post a quick picture, so they can pose as if they are having the time of their life in order to make themselves look better.
In addition, concerts and musical festivals are the perfect way for teenagers to not only show off their money or parents’ money, but their perpetual fun as well. When scrolling through social media, it is guaranteed that you will observe at least one person that not only recorded the entirety of whatever concert was in town last night but also posted it for everyone to see. This is an extreme waste of time and storage because all their “friends” rapidly skip through this junk as if they are dumpster-diving for something interesting. Though the person at the concert was physically present, mentally they were off wondering how many people would view this “experience” and be jealous.
Even in times where teens are supposed to be learning, they are never more than physically present because of their utmost connection to their phones. When students are meant to be spending time in class, they are really spending that time taking videos and pictures of their classmates to post. They use these to show no matter what, even if they are in school, they are having a great time that consists of no studying or educational time whatsoever.
Social media sites tend to give users a flashback from a year ago, and when teenagers don’t remember being present in that moment, it is a waste to even have the photographic evidence. Every day, it is important to put the phone down, breathe and just enjoy what life has in store. Don’t just sit around watching and posting. Videos and photos can be great for refurbishing memories, but when people only have photos and not any actual experiences to go along with them, it is an absolute waste of time.
