Social media has taken over our world.

Technology is a natural part of society and without it, everyday tasks would become a lot more difficult. Social media is a large portion of our generation and has incredible benefits for numerous users.

Although it has multiple advantages, many believe it can become a distraction, a form of bullying, or a way to compare themselves to others, which can result in mental health issues.

However, social media is a way to connect with others, create or share personal content, and spread awareness through marketing or advertisements.

Social media connects us with family members, friends, celebrities, companies, etc. It is an outlet for online interaction and can be very useful for long distance communication.

According to statista.com, “The number of worldwide social media users reached 2.34 billion and is expected to grow to some 2.95 billion by 2020.” Social media usage is increasing throughout our world and continues to grow as the years progress.

Instagram, for example, can be used as a form of creative expression. Although it is seen as a place for pictures of models, actors, and celebrities, it can also be used to post art or personal, self-made projects.

According go circaedu.com, “Instagram has doubled its user base to 700 million monthly active users.”

Through sharing, posting, direct messaging, and commenting, it is incredibly easy to keep in contact with family, friends, etc. Social media is an accessible way to communicate, create, and share personal aspects of someone’s life.

Social media also helps businesses market their products or establish consumer growth. By creating an account on numerous platforms, you can build awareness for possible future customers.

“By showing what your business offers and values, you will establish confidence in potential customers,” marketinginsidergroup.com states. By using social media to help market your business, you can improve sales, encourage new patrons, and engage in your audience to help create a trustworthy brand.

Social networking can become a useful tool for users everywhere around the world; whether it is for business marketing, making connections, or sharing creativity, it can be an incredibly helpful source of discovery.

Although some may think it is a distraction or a bad influence, it can be a way to spread awareness, share pictures, build relationships, and much more.

Social media has endless uses for everyone in today’s fast-paced world and is extremely necessary for everyday life.

Internet access is prevalent and unavoidable in classrooms today. Technology influences how teachers work and interact with students.

“In terms of technology, I think that it’s been highly beneficial and its made my grading a whole lot easier.” English teacher Kimberly Rygiel explains.

With the installation of helpful apps such as Turnitin.com and Google Drive, classrooms now experience a more efficient way to work.

“I think it would be highly inefficient to go backwards, I am a big proponent of technology, [and] I encourage my students to use it.” Rygiel says.

Use of this type of technology have aided teachers in catching plagiarism, as it is a growing problem among classrooms.

“That’s the only way NHS communicates is through cell phones and google docs and google sign ups.” NHS co-chair Kelsey Rowe says.

National Honors Society has some technological influence, but stays traditional by delivering paper letters for invitation and acceptance.

“[But] I could also see the applications [changing].” Rowe explains how going through documents and applications online could make the process go faster and help make things environmentally friendly.

“We have increasingly used technology for National Honors Society,” NHS co-chairman Jason Myers claims.“Students are comfortable using [technology] and it is convenient.”

Students know the ground basis on how to work with technology, so it is more efficient to work with and will help progress things more smoothly.

“I do think it does enhance the learning process just because that’s how kids brains are now.” English teacher Penny Snyder says. As society lives in the world of technology, people are use to it and becoming engaged and involved.

Technology has been changing among the years and where innovation among classrooms will continue to change and influence in the future.