Ambiguity of Belonging in the Digital Age

The essay begins by addressing the shift in how people experience belonging during the COVID-19 pandemic. With restrictions limiting in-person interactions, social networks have become a primary means of maintaining relationships. The author, a teenager, evaluates whether these digital platforms can truly provide a sense of belonging compared to traditional family and friend connections.

Highlight: The pandemic has made it challenging to maintain social bonds, as meeting in person is often restricted.

Social networks are presented as an accessible alternative for communication, available to anyone with an electronic device. The author notes that they are already accustomed to using these platforms, finding them efficient and engaging due to constantly updated features.

Example: Features like messaging and video calls (FaceTime) provide constant access to social interaction.

The essay points out a significant change in daily routines, with students attending online classes and adults working from home. This shift has led to increased interaction with social networks compared to in-person contact with family and friends.

Vocabulary: Home office - A work arrangement in which employees work from their homes rather than in a central office.

Despite the prevalence of social media, the author argues that family and friends still provide a stronger sense of belonging. They view social networks as tools for maintaining relationships rather than the source of belonging itself.

Quote: "Personally, I think that family and friends are providing the sense of belonging and social networks are just the devices enabling to maintain these relationships."

The author concludes by emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between the medium of communication and the actual relationships. They warn against confusing the sense of community on social platforms with genuine belonging, urging readers to focus on maintaining important real-life relationships once possible.

Definition: Sense of belonging - A feeling of connection and acceptance within a group or community.

The Role of Social Media in Modern Relationships

The second page of the essay delves deeper into the author's perspective on the role of social media in creating a sense of belonging. It explores the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on digital platforms for social connection, especially during adolescence.

The author acknowledges that social networks can feel like they create a sense of belonging due to the large communities they host and their ability to facilitate communication with friends. However, they argue that this is ultimately just another method of interacting with existing relationships rather than a replacement for them.

Highlight: The author distinguishes between the feeling of belonging created by social media and the actual source of belonging, which they believe still comes from friends and family.

The essay touches on the challenges of adolescence, particularly during the pandemic, when young people may struggle to identify their true sense of belonging. The author warns against the false sense of belonging that can come from trying to emulate online communities or role models.

Example: Teenagers might try to act or dress like their online role models, mistaking this for genuine belonging.

The conclusion emphasizes the importance of maintaining authentic relationships and being true to oneself. The author expresses concern about society potentially neglecting real-life connections in favor of digital communication.

Quote: "As far as I'm concerned, society shouldn't neglect friends and family should be aware that they won't get used to communicating rather via social networks than in real life."

The essay ends with a personal statement from the author, reaffirming that for them, family and friends remain the primary source of belonging, despite the increased reliance on social media during the pandemic.

Highlight: The author stresses the importance of maintaining important relationships in real life once it becomes possible again, rather than relying solely on digital connections.

This conclusion underscores the impact of social media on youth and the potential dangers of social media in terms of creating a false sense of belonging. It also touches on the psychosocial effect of COVID-19 on relationships and social interactions, highlighting the need for balance between digital and in-person connections.