By: Curtis Liang

A Woman Lying on Bed Using a Smartphone by Polina Kovaleva is marked with CC0 1.0 Universal. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0

In an age where institutions of all types promote themselves in the digital world, the wide influence of social media amongst students has become undeniable. From shaping opinions to influencing social norms, these digital platforms hold both positive and negative impacts on student life, and it is only crucial to discuss them.

Digital Dynamics 

Social media platforms mirror our physical environments while having its own distinct traits. As students navigate these online spaces, they may unintentionally morph into bystanders, observing much without actively engaging. For instance, some videos on social media promote “dark humour,” which can involve the bullying of certain minority groups or individuals. Though many are aware of the vile nature of such content, engaging in these posts would only bring attention to your own profile, which may ultimately result in a more muddied digital footprint.

The Ripple Effect 

Every action on social media, whether positive or negative, creates a ripple effect. From sharing encouraging content to doing the opposite, these contributions play a role in shaping our school community and students. We can only pray that our fellow students around the St. Augustine community consume the right form of entertainment.

Setting a Digital Example 

Choosing to be an upstander in the digital realm means consciously leading by example. Positive online conduct not only influences immediate interactions but also contributes to creating a virtual space where empathy and positive interactions thrive. Especially as a representative of a Catholic school, it is important for us to set an example for others around us, and hopefully expand this space into a more welcoming one.

Practical Approaches 

Embracing the role of a digital upstander requires intentional actions. Counterbalancing negativity involves sharing positive content to put optimism into the digital sphere. Standing against cyberbullying means not only speaking out but actively supporting victims. Encouraging inclusivity and understanding necessitates engaging, which can enlarge our diverse perspectives. Acts of digital kindness, such as offering compliments and unwavering support, leave a fabric of compassion online. Lastly, true upstanders should not strike back against bullies, but instead reply to their comments with kindness, reaching out to see if they are in need of support.


Work Cited

Ford, Henry. “Why Is TikTok Giving Teen Girls Tics?” Henry Ford Health, 21 March 2022, https://www.henryford.com/blog/2022/03/tiktok-giving-teen-girls-tics. Accessed 14 February 2024.