Entry #9 Hooked on Memes, Tricked by Trends: My Media Nightmare

 

Hooked on Memes, Tricked by Trends: My Media Nightmare

Growing Up With Limited Media

Have you ever stopped to think about how much media shapes your day? My perception of media has changed way more than I realized. I didn’t grow up with social media, so I never paid much attention to it. People always said, “Don’t get social media, it’s bad for your mental health.” And honestly? They weren’t wrong. But at the time, I brushed it off.

Now that I’m older, especially in college, I see how powerful media really is and how it sneaks into every part of our lives. Am I the only one that experiences this? I know some college students may relate because not everyone grew up with social media. I am one of the minority. 

Social media shapes communities—for better and worse. It messes with self-esteem, personal identity, and how we compare ourselves to others. Everyone’s sharing their best photos, best moments, best lives… and here we are, comparing ourselves to the highlights. It’s exhausting!

This isn’t just me whining—research from the American Psychological Association shows that heavy social media use links to anxiety, depression, and body image issues. I see it everywhere, and it’s scary how much it can affect people. How does this affect people in your area?

Tools of Media

But media isn’t all bad. When used right, it’s actually super helpful. News outlets keep us informed about the weather, local events, finances, and bigger national issues. Media can connect us, educate us, and open doors—especially for college students trying to network or advertise their work.

Before I had social media, I didn’t think it mattered. Now I see why staying connected is so important. Media is everywhere, whether we like it or not, and we can’t ignore its influence.

Media isn’t just digital. Newspapers, music, books, magazines—these all count too. Because of technology are advancing as we speak, social media dominates now, spreading information (and misinformation) faster than ever.

Media and Misinformation

And here’s where it gets dangerous. Media isn’t just social media—it’s also a tool for spreading lies to get reactions. Politics, religion, crazy viral stories—they all get exaggerated or twisted. People fall for it, communities get affected, and before you know it, someone’s opinion or action is based on false info. Seriously, we have to ask: Who is sharing this? Why? If we don’t, we’re just being manipulated.

When Trends Turn Dangerous

Not every trend online is harmless. Take the Tide Pod Challenge. Yeah, people actually thought eating laundry detergent was funny. Then there’s the Cinnamon Challenge, where you try to swallow a spoonful of cinnamon in one go. Are people serious? These trends put lives in danger, and sometimes folks don’t even think about the health risks. Like… where’s the common sense? Come on now! Are parents aware of these trends that your kids may be doing? This isn't leaning towards the kids but even adults too?! This world has gone insane!

And it’s not just online—these trends spread into families, friends, and communities. I’ve started paying way more attention to what people share, what they follow, and how fast trends influence behavior. Think about the last trend you saw online. Did it affect someone you know?

Things to Considered 

Since studying media in class, I notice:

• How algorithms hook us without us realizing it

• How influencers shape opinions, even unintentionally

• How news frames stories depending on political or economic goals

• How people spread info without fact-checking

I’m more critical now—not in a negative way, but in a wake-up way. I ask questions, check credibility, and pay attention to what and where it shapes my thoughts and the people around me.

Media is everywhere in my life—friends, education, hobbies, even just feeling connected. I scroll, I share, I react. But I also notice when it messes with my mood, confidence, or mindset. And that awareness? That came straight from what I’ve been learning in class.

Beware the Power

Media isn’t just something we consume—it shapes how we think, act, and see ourselves. Being aware of its influence gives us power. Media can be amazing if we use it wisely, fact-check, and think about the impact we have on others. But it can lead to unhealthy habits like doom scrolls on social media. Where we sit in our beds and scroll down for hours on end. 

 

This awareness shows up every time we scroll, react, or share online. Now, I’m paying more attention to the trends I follow, the posts I engage with, and the influence I have on others—and I think everyone should.