As quarantine drags on, people are relying on their screens not just for a source of entertainment to cure their boredom, but also for human connection and social interaction. In addition to using their devices for Netflix and video games, social media platforms like Instagram and Tik Tok prove to be a common pastime for teens.

However, recently, due to COVID-19, the impact that these platforms have on people, especially teens, has changed. While social media has always had toxic aspects to it, the current pandemic has amplified the issue. From gossip Instagram accounts, to body-shaming comments, to racism and severe political intolerance, users of social media are witnessing the societal harm COVID-19 is having.

“I have noticed that social media has become more toxic because people are shaming other people for their viewpoints,” said Kayla George, a junior at NDB.

In recent months, there has been a slew of political movements, debates, and happenings all over America. Being stuck inside, people are taking to the internet to voice their opinions and show their support. However, posting on social media allows for less forethought than people would have if they were communicating face-to-face, leading to harmful and volatile exchanges.

“While I support others’ views and have my own opinions, I am not one to post political content on my social media. While I think that posting political content is beneficial for informing others, I think that pushing certain messages too heavily on people can make them even more frustrated with politics after a while,” Renee D’Arcangelis, a junior at NDB explained. “I have chosen to express my views and opinions in a more personal way rather than through social media.”

Shaming on social media is depriving people of a safe place for healthy discourse with diverse viewpoints and opinions. The aggressive nature of the comments is not only ineffective, it is driving people farther apart.

While much positive change has been brought about by the loud voices on social media, it also has prompted some of the worst political and racial intolerance we have seen in this country.

Much of the COVID-19 toxicity could be solved with a quick pause, if only for a couple of seconds, before hitting that post button. Because, as everyone knows, the internet is forever.