Twitter is an easy distraction from the whirlwind of numerous assignments given daily to students, which is (un)conveniently not blocked on school computers. This combination of social media and education in school raises the question, does LHS use social media in a positive way?

The Bell staff agreed 20-0 that yes, LHS students are mostly positive when using social media but there are still areas for improvement. One teacher said that although social media’s easy access allows certain students to bully one another outside the classroom, it’s an easy way for teachers to contact and share with one another. Also, with the LPS LEADS hashtag (when used seriously) teams and clubs at LHS can promote wins and applaud students’ achievements to meet the masses instantaneously.

One staff member mentioned that social media allows the school to collectively come together as one unbreakable force. Another upside to all this newly-breaking technology is that it gets translated into learning, like flex spaces equipped with apple TV’s and every student in the district receiving their own laptops. However, with all these well-intended changes comes a whole new set of challenges.

One teacher said the immediacy and quickness of social media can result very badly when something is said in the heat of the moment. For instance, following the infamous Liberty vs. Liberty North football game, twitter exploded with digs, insults and memes directed to harass Liberty North. Just because a post might be funny to one person doesn’t mean that everyone will find humor in it. That sort of negativity should not be shared online for everyone to see.

The main issue concerning social media isn’t only the distraction it brings to students but the bullying that spreads like a wildfire is only a few keystrokes. Of course, with any new technological advancement, there’s always going to be some sort of set-back. Like, why can’t the YouTube video continue playing when you open up another app? Or why are charger cords so easy to break? The list goes on and on.

The difference is, it’s up to students at LHS to make that positive change to online lives.

Ask yourself before you hit send: would I say this aloud? If not, then there’s no reason to post it. It’s up to all of us to stand up and lift others up instead of tearing them down through subtweets or nasty and hurtful polls. The change starts with one and it ends with all of us, together.