Social Media: Real or ‘Fake News’

   Let’s talk about social media. While some people love it, some think it is from the devil himself. Wherever you are on the spectrum, we need to be realistic about the impact social media is having on our society. The average American gets their news, and advice on life, while sharing their own thoughts and opinions, everyday on social media. Recognizing this, I, along with many others, have some concerns. Is the news we see the reality of what is taking place? Is all this self-help life advice actually benefiting anyone? And lastly, why and from what source, is one developing their opinions? 

   First question, are we being lied to by major news outlets?  Back in January, a group of teenage boys from Covington Catholic High school were put on most news outlets across America. Mainstream news took a 30-second clip from a video out of context, in order to fit their personal agenda. When a native American, alongside others, harassed and verbally abused a group of Trump supporters, the Trump supporters were made out to be the bad guys. Situations such as this make it clear that one must be personally responsible and do their own research to see if what the media has put out there is actually true.

   We need to have our guard up not only when reading/watching the news, but also when reading inspirational quotes.  Self-help garbage infests the world of social media, such as Facebook and Instagram. ...