Introduction: Media Manifesto

Jason Zhu
Staff Writer

Social media has long since embedded itself into our daily lives. Though it is as simple as a form of communication and expression, they do wield enormous power. As author Erik Qualman once said, “[the] power of social media is that it forces necessary change.” From fueling the fight for human rights against Arabian monarchies during the Arab Spring of 2010, to being the prominent force for raising relief funds for the Japan 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami, social media has brought uplifting impacts to our society. However, there are times that we put social media to use as a weapon in what we commonly regard as cyberbullying. As students, every one of us has access to some form of social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, etc. Still, we should be cautious of how we utilize social media, or it might just stab you right in the back.

“Every picture I have taken is a regret. I look goofy in all of [the ones I am in].” -Lewis Hebert, sophomore

“ I regret personally ranting about my teacher online. The teacher ended up finding out and confronted me about it.” -Irene Wong, freshman

“I’ve said things online that I didn’t mean. It ended up causing drama for me in real life.” -Andy Smith, junior

“ I have experienced regret when I look back at old pictures, because I remember the person I was before.” -Suzanne Truong, senior

“I don’t regret anything I post. [If I upload it,] it’s for the world to see and I make sure it’s funny.” -Dekoda Dena, sophomore