From Hate to Hope: The Way Positivity Can Change Social Media

Everyone knows about social media in today's world. It can make everything easier and more fun, that's why people have been using it often. We use it to connect with people around the world, sharing daily life, expressing ourselves, and most importantly, we can also be whoever we want in social media. Whether it's real or fake. By that, people's standards have increased rapidly. They start to feel insecure with who they are, and some of them will also spread hate comments without thinking about the effects. Sometimes, they forget that behind all of those was actually a real person who had feelings.

 A study from 2017 looked at more than half a million students from eighth to twelfth grade. It found that between 2010 and 2015, the number of students showing serious signs of depression increased by 33%. During the same time, the suicide rate among girls in that age group went up by 65%. Smartphones first came out in 2007, and by 2015, about 92% of teenagers and young adults owned one. The study noticed that the rise in depression matched the increase in smartphone use during those years. The lead researcher, Jean Twenge, PhD, a psychologist from San Diego State University, pointed out that this pattern suggests a strong connection between smartphone use and the growing rates of depression among young people. Child Mind Institute

 Knowing this, as a generation that grows up with technology, we should choose to spread positivity instead of hate. Start by understanding that everyone has different opinions, and that's okay. You don't need to force others to think the same as you. We are all unique in our own ways, and there should be no fixed standard for how we look or live. Before posting or commenting, take a moment to think about how your words might affect someone else.

 Start with small things, compliment someone's work, share kind or motivational messages, and support your friends' achievements and stand up against bullying or hate speech when you see it. Use your platform to share helpful information, inspiring stories, or even simple reminders that kindness still matters. When more people do this, social media will slowly become a place full of support instead of negativity.

In conclusion, social media can be a powerful tool to support and build kindness, a bridge to connect anyone in this world. But it can also be dangerous. It all depends on how we use it. It can break people down, but it can also lift people up. Make it a space where we lift each other up, support one another, and don't be scared to speak up. As the young generation, together, we can turn hate into hope.

“Be different, be the reason of someone smile”

Oleh : Grace, Lita, Nia, Andika, Diaz, Patrick, Samuel (Kelas XI - Kokurikuler Humaniora 2025/2026)