Editorial
Growing up in the 21st Century…
social media, friendship dramas and exam stress. All fall under the umbrella we call “growing up”, except it’s a thunderstorm, the umbrella has turned inside out and we’re pretty sure it’s about to get struck by lightning.
As a fifteen year old girl, I am not loving the process of growing up- especially in this day and age. With social media we’re expected to look, act or be a certain way to either gain a following or to just simply avoid cyber bullying. With school it’s pretty much the same, only it’s to gain friends or to avoid being bullied in person- not to mention the problems caused when you add hormones and exam stress into the mix.
Accepting myself
For me, friendship issues have been the most ongoing struggle whilst growing up. I thought the pathetic arguments and fallouts of primary school would stay in primary school.
They didn’t. So from primary school pettiness to eating lunch on my own in high school, learning to accept myself whilst finding her has been somewhat difficult.
“These years will be the highlight of your life, you’ll regret not living life to the fullest when you’re older” To be honest I couldn’t agree more with this classic line . I know you’ve all either heard or said before; growing up should be fun, we should enjoy it and live it to the fullest, life is too short to be stressed about anything really, whether it’s the piece of paper you get with numbers on it at the end of your exams or everyday life stuff.
We should be enjoying living and growing up, not wallowing in our own self pity due to friendship dramas or social media.
Scrolling through Tik Tok
Since when did we rely on tiny rectangles of plastic to make us happy or to meet new people on?
I’ll admit, I am very guilty of sitting for hours on end just aimlessly scrolling through Tik Tok, seeing people allegedly living a better life than mine, but it doesn’t help with anything.
Which brings me to my next point: why are we so obsessed with social media if half of it isn’t even true? How are we gaining anything or growing up if we just keep scrolling through endless videos, posts or livestreams if we don’t have any concrete evidence that it’s true?
Furthermore, the amount of editing software that’s available is uncanny. People can make themselves look however they want and we, the fools sitting at home with nothing better to do, actually believe it and base our life’s purpose on looking as skinny or a muscly as they do.
Accept the real me!
In the 21st century, we are expected to have a big group of friends (that will most likely be fake), drink when you’re at a party with them (if not then you’re simply uncool) or have an account on every social media platform there is.
Honestly, I could go on and on about all these expectations, don’t worry I won’t, but instead I’ll give you some advice for growing up and staying sane at the same time. Be yourself! I know it’s said a lot but this is more important than you think, by sticking to your own morals and ideals you do yourself justice, you may lose friends but at the end of the day would you rather have friends who don’t accept the real you or be the real you anyway and focus on yourself so you benefit from all their pettiness?
I picked the latter and while I had some struggles and breakdowns whilst dealing with it, it was for the best because I can put more focus into other important things without dealing with people who don’t necessarily accept the real me.
Be unique with true friendships
The thunderstorm is scary and long, but it’s one that will leave you with a unique personality, true friendships and the ability and mindset to accept yourself and others the way they are.
At the end of the day, just trust the process and enjoy it.
AB
Editorial Volunteer
What’s Going On April 23
