Social media is a major part of daily life for many high school students, but opinions differ on whether it is helpful or harmful. While some students say social media distracts them from schoolwork, others believe it can be useful when used responsibly.

Many students spend time on different platforms throughout the day, especially after school. For some, these apps are a way to relax, stay connected with friends, or even get help with school assignments.

Freshman Silver Weber said her most used app is TikTok and that she spends a couple of hours on social media each day. “My most used app is TikTok, and I’m on social media like two hours a day,” Weber said.

Weber admitted that social media can sometimes get in the way of schoolwork, but she also believes it can be helpful in certain ways. “Yes it has distracted me from schoolwork, but chat helps me,” she said. “I think social media is helpful because otherwise I would be failing school.”

Not every student uses social media regularly. Sophomore Nolan Hyde said he actually does not have any social media accounts at all. Instead, he spends time on other apps.

“My most used app is the Nike store app, like 30 minutes a day,” Hyde said. “I don’t have any social media.” Despite not using social media himself, Hyde still believes it can be positive for others. “I think it’s more helpful than harmful,” he said.

Other students say the effects of social media depend mostly on how a person chooses to use it. Sophomore Ryan Taylor said Instagram is the app he uses the most, though he tries to limit his time.

“My most used app is Instagram. I only have one hour a day,” Taylor said. “Yes, it has distracted me sometimes. I think it’s 100% how you use it and how responsible you are. I think it could go either way for helpful or harmful.”

As social media continues to play a large role in students’ lives, many agree that responsibility and time management are key. Whether it becomes a helpful tool or a distraction often depends on how students choose to use it.