Dear Annie: Students Seek Advice on Navigating School Without Snapchat
The author of "The Anxious Generation" discusses the challenges faced by young people who do not use Snapchat, citing a high school student's experience of finding it difficult to communicate with friends and peers. Snapchat's popularity is attributed to features such as funny filters and the ability to delete texts, which have drawn a large user base. Despite its widespread use, the author highlights that deeper connections are often formed through real-world interactions, which can foster creativity and learning.
There is a growing movement in the U.S. aimed at educating parents, teachers, and students about the potential dangers of social media, particularly its effects on the brain development of preteens and teenagers. The U.S. Surgeon General has called on Congress to mandate warning labels on social media platforms to inform users of these risks. The author suggests that opting out of social media like Snapchat can create opportunities for more meaningful, face-to-face interactions and personal growth.
