Social media apps like TikTok and Instagram influence my social circle through what music they listen to, how they wear their clothing, and what we converse about.

In the past when I would hang out with my friends, all they talked about was TikTok, or something related to social media. As a kid, I wasn’t allowed to stay on my electronics. One time when my friends and I were hanging out after school, all that we talked about was Snapchat. It made me upset at my parents for not letting me have Snapchat. In my opinion, social media is bad for kids because it creates a barrier in the overall group’s relationship. It creates a barrier because people are staring at their devices instead of talking; plus, you don’t grow a meaningful and trusting relationship. When I have other relationships where social media isn’t the main influence in the conversations, I develop a stronger and healthier relationship with the person I’m spending that time with, and that’s something that will last forever, because we talk together on a subject that’s meaningful to us.

However, social media isn’t all negative. As it’s a library of information, you can keep in touch with friends and family that aren’t in your area. It helps share information for businesses, schools, and charities around the world. It’s especially helpful during the pandemic, because you can still stay in touch with your friends and family. My grandma and I stay in touch all the time, and I get to tell her all the fun things I do!

Social media influences my social circle in positive ways, like giving us loads of information, or in a negative way where it creates a barrier to others. In the end, social media creates a really big impact on all of us as a community.