According to History.com, the internet has been around since 1969. Now, children grow up with the internet at their fingertips. Often, people wonder how this affects children and teenagers growing up in today’s world. The internet could either completely wreck these young children’s and teens’ lives, or open a new world full of friends.

   It has always been a concern that children are at risk on the internet. There have been cyberbullying, kidnappings, and sexual abuse. There are people everywhere who could hurt children on the internet; this could make the internet a dangerous place.

    Sophomore Chase Wilkinson is in Advanced Broadcasting, and he has had his fair share of experiences on social media. While he sees it as positive, he also realizes the drawbacks.

   “It just helps you disguise your identity,” said Wilkinson.

   Teens struggle with making friends in the real world because they have to show their real selves. Online, they can be whoever they want to be and not be judged for how they look. Online, people can make friends with people who are like them.

   The internet has widened people’s experiences and given them the chance to connect with people from other cultures and learn. Talking to others across the world can not just teach but also broaden people’s horizons.

   Freshman Gabriella Nurka spends very little time on social media. Nurka sees having online friends and social media as negative. As previously discussed, there are ways to conceal oneself on the internet, which can lead to dangerous situations.

 “People being added by guys who just want them for their bodies,” said Nurka.

   Sexual abuse is a common experience on social media. Many have been sent nudes or told to send nudes, doxxed, sent inappropriate messages, and more. This can affect teens’ mental health and how they see the world. Being online can badly affect teens’ mental health as they are being exposed to adult content.

  More than 463,000 people are sexually assaulted or sexually abused each year, according to fairfaxcounty.gov. Social media could be making this worse through people hiding their identities. There is so much wrong that can take place, but there can be good too.

   Senior George Danielson has spent quite a bit of time on social media. He sees having online friends as positive.

 “I had a group of people that I talked with,” said Danielson, “They were a big part of my life.” 

   On social media, people can find their best friends. Although hiding one’s identity can lead to dangerous situations, it can give people a sense of safety and confidence they otherwise didn’t have. Social media does not necessarily mean everyone is bad online; it can just pose as worrisome.

   “I mean, it’s a really safe space, but it really all just depends,” said Wilkinson.

   Social media is full of safety and dangers. At the end of the day, it is up to its users to create a positive environment. The internet can be anything, but it is up to teens to make it what they want.