Journal Entry #17

1. A CNN host recently said he’d rather give his kids Jack Daniels and weed than Instagram.  What do you think about this statement?

It is a sensationalist title, to be sure. It is probably overstating the dangers of Instagram to kids while simultaneously understating the effects weed and alcohol can have on minors. With all that being said, social media–in this case, Instagram–can have a dangerous effect on children and even adults. I have come across an increasing amount of articles stating that, while these platforms can have some positive effects, they also typically lead to discontentment due to the tendency of the individuals using them to compare themselves to the various influencers and celebrities prominently displayed on them. Kids are much less self-actualized than most adults, and their core identity is not nearly as well established, making them even more prone to feelings of jealously and inadequacy.

I believe this is what the CNN host was TRYING to say, sans the attention grabbing headline.