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Morning // 18.3%
Afternoon // 18.7%
Evening // 27%
Late Night // 19.1%
Nationally, teens have mixed feelings about social media, according to a Pew Research Center survey released in May 2018. While about a third say its effect is mostly positive, another quarter say it’s mostly negative. The largest share of teens surveyed – 45 percent – took a neutral view, saying its effect on their lives is neither good nor bad.
Almost all of them (95 percent) report having access to a smartphone. The survey found the number of teens who characterize their internet use as “almost constant” nearly doubled between 2014 and 2018 to 45 percent. They’re engaging on social networks at higher rates than adults – 72 percent of teens use Instagram compared to 35 percent of anyone over 18. Sixty-nine percent of teens use Snapchat.
In light of the ubiquity of devices, Montgomery County High School adopted a more liberal approach to cell phone use nearly 10 years ago, says Assistant Principal Rob Donaldson. Formally, the policy permits students to use their phones between classes and during breaks. Informally, teachers may use their discretion. Students this week reported most of their teachers take a more lax approach, but a few will take phones away or hand out detention slips to students who keep their phones instead of depositing them in a bucket as instructed.
“I guess if I had my way and could say we either have phones at school or we don’t, I’d say no,” Rob says. “It’s all the extra baggage we get because of phones.”
Instead, the school has embraced the new ways students prefer to connect with others. Posted QR codes around the building allow students to sign in and out of class like a digital hall pass or use their phones to schedule time with a guidance counselor. They can order their lunch with an app called Choosi. When a fight breaks out, the school will determine what happened by studying the student videos they once discouraged.
It’s a challenge. While students engage more using the various phone-focused methods adopted by the school, it’s not a harmless student craze. It’s a visible dependency. Melissa Eads, a guidance counselor at the school, says students behave in a new way.
“They feel like if they don’t have [their phone] in their hand, they just almost feel like they’re lost. Like they’re missing something,” Melissa says. “They’ll check their phones 20 times while you’re trying to have a conversation with them.”
The photo library in Billie Slone’s old phone is an archive of photos she never shared. After a trip through Facetune, an editing app she used to clear away every blemish and imperfection, the final images looked so unlike her, she never posted them.
“I would sit there and use blemish control ... and remove any acne spots. I would lighten my eyes, lighten my hair,” she says. “Being a girl in this day and age on social media is the actual worst … especially if you’re someone with low confidence and you don’t see yourself as anyone and you don’t like your body.”
Girls at Montgomery County High say the pitfalls are numerous. They find and follow accounts full of manipulated photos of perfect bodies, faces, hair that crush them; they receive unsolicited messages from older men, sometimes coyly chatting, sometimes abruptly sending or requesting nude pictures; they post photos looking for attention that will override loneliness or sadness, only to feel it return.
Researchers have linked teen social media use with higher rates of depression-related symptoms and suicide. A study conducted by researchers at San Diego State University and Florida State University that included half a million young people in grades eight through 12, found that teens who spent more time on social media and smartphones reported mental health issues more frequently than their peers who spend more time without their phones. Between 2010 and 2015, 33 percent more teens displayed symptoms of depression and 65 percent more teen girls committed suicide.
“A couple years ago, I would strictly use social media when I felt down on myself. And I would post a photo that I knew I looked good in,” Billie says. “I was looking for attention, looking for someone to like it, looking for those comments saying, ‘Oh my god, you look beautiful.’ ”
Allen Reed // Senior
Ashley Wagers // Senior
Responding to someone who left her an offensive comment about her appearance.
Raven Stone // Junior
Allen Reed // Senior
Ashley Wagers // Senior
Responding to someone who left her an offensive comment about her appearance.
Raven Stone // Junior
Students are quick to utter the well-worn names of social media’s dark side. They’re exposed to or aware of instances of cyberbullying. They describe school fights that started in online conversations, referring to all the “drama” and occasions of “he-said, she-said” that erupt offline in the halls. They wonder about privacy, repeating warnings from parents and teachers about the permanency of the internet and the consequences that can accompany a poor choice. Sometimes, it’s humiliation. Sometimes, it’s criminal charges.
For Caleb Chandler, a junior, that’s reason enough to stay away. He’s one of numerous Montgomery County students who criticize overuse or opt out completely. Caleb said he thinks people his age behave like their actions online don’t have consequences, either for themselves or others.
“I can understand that what we do everyday isn’t a fairytale,” he says. “They make jokes about things they shouldn’t or show people pictures they shouldn’t. They don’t know any better until they get in trouble.”
Students are quick to utter the well-worn names of social media’s dark side. They’re exposed to or aware of instances of cyberbullying. They describe school fights that started in online conversations, referring to all the “drama” and occasions of “he-said, she-said” that erupt offline in the halls. They wonder about privacy, repeating warnings from parents and teachers about the permanency of the internet and the consequences that can accompany a poor choice. Sometimes, it’s humiliation. Sometimes, it’s criminal charges.
For Caleb Chandler, a junior, that’s reason enough to stay away. He’s one of numerous Montgomery County students who criticize overuse or opt out completely. Caleb said he thinks people his age behave like their actions online don’t have consequences, either for themselves or others.
“I can understand that what we do everyday isn’t a fairytale,” he says. “They make jokes about things they shouldn’t or show people pictures they shouldn’t. They don’t know any better until they get in trouble.”
Unconsciously or not – both appear to be true in Montgomery County – students make a mental calculation that the fun and intrigue of social media outweigh its more distressing aspects. They say they use social media to connect with real-life friends, explore interests in an online community, and express themselves, whether by sharing art or adding to global conversations.
Duce Ralls, a senior at Montgomery County High, a basketball player, and a co-leader of the school’s student cheering section, far outpaces his peers who reported their weekly and daily usage, racking up more than 30.5 hours on social apps on his iPhone over the previous week – a number that surprised him.
“I didn’t realize I was on my phone that much,” he says.
On his way out of his first class, which he takes at the Morehead State University campus near the school, he recorded a video of his friend dancing in the parking lot, then sent it to his friends over Snapchat. That’s how he spends most of his day, with the exception of basketball practice in the afternoons, when he has to put his phone away.
“When I first get on my phone, I look to see if I have any notifications. If I do, I always check Snapchat first, and then Instagram,” Duce explains over text. “Normally I’m just having conversations about what’s going on currently / what I’m doing. Today after school alone, I have talked to at least 20 friends and only texted one. The rest have been on Snapchat and Instagram.”
He has a bright outlook and a social personality. He says he’s at ease moving between digital and analog conversations with friends, though he notices not everyone in his friend groups is as animated in person. He likes to make people laugh. He spends so much time talking to several different groups of friends because he likes to know what everyone is doing. Sending pictures and talking about weekend plans keep him in constant contact with his friends.
“We don’t text any more. We use Snapchat,” he says. “It’s the only way we talk now.”
Parker Henry // Freshman
Jillian Rush // Senior
Kacie Allen // Sophomore
Parker Henry // Freshman
Jillian Rush // Senior
Kacie Allen // Sophomore
It’s also a window into a wider world, full of people with experiences that are unfamiliar in Mt. Sterling but resonate at a fundamental level. In eighth grade, Theo Molstad connected with other transgender people after watching a Youtube video recommended by a friend.
“I went to more LGBT admin accounts and I talked about what I think I might be going through and they told me what they’re going through and how, you know, if we join together, it’s like we can open everyone’s eyes,” he says.
He describes himself on Instagram as a “proud trans boy.” He says he uses his platform to inspire others to embrace who they are, and not to hide it. When he came out to his parents, his mom joined a group on Facebook to help her connect with more families of transgender people. He broached the subject of changing his name in Snapchat conversations with friends, asking, “What would you guys do if I was a boy? If I was a boy what name do you think I would have?”
In the fall of his senior year, he legally changed his name.
How social media affects students
BY J SCOTT // JUNIOR
My artwork displays the immense power of social media. It also demonstrates how social media exploits everything. In my artwork I showcase how the black culture is exploited.
Jazzy is a junior at MCHS and a four-year member of ROTC, He is a member of FFCLA, French club, Beta club, Black/Hispanic Achievers, and Youth Representative for Dubois Youth Center. He is passionate about interpersonal communications and bringing people together.
Anti-social media
By Ashley Thompson // Senior
I am 17 years old, have never used social media and don’t have any desire to. It seems stupid. From my standpoint, I see it redefining what it means to be an individual and slowly taking over every aspect of our daily lives.
People have their phones with them always. It has become a distraction in the classrooms and on our roads. I’ve seen people who barely make enough money to live on prioritize having a phone.
Social media manipulates people’s ideas of who they should be. It promotes images of what we should strive for. Unfortunately it’s effective. People will dye their hair if it’s “cool,” they’ll get piercings to be “different,” and they’ll listen to any music made popular by social media. Bands and companies will use social media to promote themselves with free advertising. They are making money off of your addictions and desire to feel accepted.
People, especially teenagers, will do anything to obtain the acceptance of their peers. In the case of social media it can be complete strangers; you’re giving people you’ve never met the power to decide your self worth. That is something you have to decide for yourself; you have to be comfortable in your own skin and be proud of everything you do.
Social media has taken this from us replacing it with a technology-driven need to be like everyone else.
Social media is a mirage of a sort. It’s appealing and tempting, but in actuality it’s causing people to be anti-social. There’s a comfort in being able to plan out what you’re going to say or not answering when you don’t know what to say. It gives the feeling of being in control, allowing you to manipulate your relationships to go the way you’d like them to. This however, isn’t friendship. Your friends are the people you feel comfortable talking to and actually care about you.
Social media, rather than allowing people to better communicate, seems to be destroying basic social skills. When people do actually talk to someone in person they’ll stop in the middle of the conversation to check their phone. Two minutes later they look back up and ask you what you were talking about. This gives the impression of not being as important as the people following them on social media.
The temptation of social media can be disruptive in school. Every other day it seems like I’ll hear someone say in class that they should be able to use their phone because they’re still getting their work done, they’re not bothering anyone, it’s their property, and so on. Teachers have the authority to decide whether or not you can use your phone in their classroom. Personally I don’t believe they should allow it. If students get on their phones, the teacher doesn’t have their full attention required to do their jobs. You go to school to get an education, not socialize.
On the road, this addiction is dangerous. According to the National Safety Council the use of cellphones while driving causes 1.6 million crashes every year. When people choose to get on their phones while driving they’re not only putting themselves at risk, but they are endangering the lives of everyone else on the road. Once people start dying because of cellphones that ought to be a sign that this has gone too far and we need to get our priorities straight.
We as a society have given ourselves up to phones and social media. We allow it to dictate too many of our decisions about life and about ourselves. We have jeopardized our safety and our education. Many people see it as a necessity and have become addicted to it. It’s time to take back what’s rightfully ours. Turn off your phone.
Ashley Thompson is a senior at Montgomery County High School. She is an editor for the school newspaper, The Tribal Tribune.
The Best-worst thing ever
By James Williamson // Senior
Social media may well be the very best-worst thing ever to happen to the lives of young people.
Never before in history has a human had access to just about everyone they know, or have even heard of. Now, this can create something beautiful.
For example, Facebook has become a site for grandparents to look at pictures of their grandchildren. What is so wrong about that? Sure people can make fun of it, but to the people who use it to check up on family it is such a sweet idea. As people grow older their lives become busier and they have less time to check up on their family. It’s just sweet to know you can see how your family is doing. Friends count in this too.
Social media is an ever-growing platform allowing people to reconnect with older friends or people they hadn’t been able to be friends with previously due to whatever circumstance. I have a friend who lives deep in eastern Kentucky who never spoke to me when I lived there. Through Facebook, however, we were able to connect and now we’re planning activities to do together once we start college.
In this vein, social media can bring together like-minded people to share their interests and tastes. Countless groups of passionate individuals have formed who want to express themselves, share in something they collectively enjoy, or help make the world a better place. On social media, you have access to everyone and everything.
Although, that is also how it is horrible.
Aren’t stalkers super scary and even scarier, the idea that they could be anyone? Also, isn’t the idea of strangers and massive companies having access to a lot of your information so they can follow you in whole new ways actually terrifying?
People can use these sites and apps for the scummiest and creepiest things. These sites can bring out the worst in people — people who share interests that may be incredibly controversial and disturbing. We are all aware of racists, sexists and homophobes. Now, they have an outlet to express themselves and rally together.
Freedom of speech is incredibly important and everyone should have a voice as long as no one is in danger of getting hurt. I have come across Instagram accounts worshipping anorexia and the people on it encourage others to participate. These feeds encourage people to damage themselves, and remain up all over the internet? Self harm and self expression are two different things.
Coming together can be something beautiful and social media has opened so many opportunities to allow friends, families and lovers to unite. Although, conversely uniting can be harmful with people who wish to hurt themselves or others. It’s a contradiction of the best-worst kind.
James is a Senior at Montgomery County High School. He participates in the choir program, musical theater, and writes on the newspaper staff. He is currently planning to attend Eastern Kentucky University fora major in Broadcasting and Electronic Media and a minor in Music.
Social media has changed dating in high school, students say.
Cheerleading teammates, including senior Alana Pennington, center right, check for notifications during water break at practice.
Madeleine Parm, 14, uses her phone at the school library to check her Twitter feed. Madeleine says it’s her most-used app because she can keep up with her passion: sports.
AJ Finley, a junior, and Janette Crider, a senior, show off photos they took with their phones.
The students who call Montgomery County High School home live daily with the contradictions of social media. They say it connects them to their friends and gives them an outlet to express themselves. It can also have a darker side, opening the door to bullying and other destructive behavior. One thing is for certain: social media’s not going anywhere.
A student gazes out the window between classes.
School administrators embrace the use of smartphones and incorporate digital technology across all aspects of student life. They use QR codes for such things as hall passes and appointments with counselors like Melissa Eads. Melissa says students engage more when the school meets them where they’re at – on their devices.
A liberal policy toward phone use means the devices are always on hand between classes, at lunch, or even during lessons, often adding another layer of drama to teens’ learning experiences. Students and administrators say fights that erupt in school usually start online. “I guess if I had my way and could say we either have phones at school or don’t, I’d say no,” says Assistant Principal Rob Donaldson. “It’s just easier. It’s all the extra baggage we get because of phones.”
For Duce Ralls, a senior at Montgomery County High School, keeping up with social media is almost a full-time job. Duce clocks up to five hours of social media use in a single day, sending photos and messages to friends through Snapchat or posting to Instagram, where he has more than 2,350 followers.
