April 10, 2023
OPINION
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The implicit barriers behind social media chambers, which confines users to a certain viewpoint. Users are often spoon-fed content ocial media apps like Instagram and on the same subject, as social media echo Tiktok are defined by their Generation chambers cater to what the user interacts Z users, while media outlets like TV with and serves them recycled content. For and newspaper are characterized by their example, if a student views content on global Baby Boomer counterparts. With the rise warming, their recommended pages will of global communication platforms, the have content relating to the subject. This lack of intergenerational connectivity content will continue to breach into a user‘s online has intensified, leading to a more recommended pages and will reinforce their politically polarized society. Diversifying stance on the subject. online experiences “I get a lot of through the use of related content on multiple platforms my TikTok feed,” and perspectives junior Carlynda Gao can prevent I like to cross-check my said. “It is scary how further societal the platforms I use information with many sites fragmentation and know what I do and to make sure I get the full polarization. don’t like.” picture on anything. Generation Z Rather than almost exclusively relying on these uses modern social Ranganathan Srinivasan, given sources, media apps like Tik media users should Freshman Tok and Instagram as consider using other their primary source platforms, including of information. credible sources According to the PEW such as research Research Center, databases, about a quarter of U.S. adults under the age Google Scholar, or news of 30 regularly get their news from Tik Tok. outlets, to get accurate Overall, news consumption has shifted from information and prevent more traditional sources to social media. getting stuck in While it is convenient to get information on current events and fashion trends from these apps, it can also lead to the creation of media echo BY TANIKA ANBU
many sites because you never know what app has data on your preferences.” Sticking to one source of media can create more narrow-minded perspectives, which can create more harm. People might be receiving information that may be untrue and half the story, which creates clouded judgment. “You are often blinded from reality. You are probably going to get your information wrong at some point in time,” Ashworth said. To promote unity online, it is important to bridge the gap between different age groups and the apps that are used. While each person may possess a different perspective, consuming media from a variety of sources can ensure fluidity between generations and promote connectivity. Parents and students alike should rely on sources that are beyond current and familiar trends to ensure that information is accurate.
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their personalized echo chambers. Using different forms of media can also bridge intergenerational differences, as users will be given the chance to explore unbiased and different perspectives and understand the topic from another person’s point of view. However, it is hard to change platforms when comfortability and normality is at stake. Inevitably, people stick to what they are most used to. Branching out requires effort which can be difficult to muster when there is no apparent need to explore different platforms. “It’s inherent that we stick to what we are used to,” librarian Amy Ashworth said. “People always say ‘why fix it if it’s not broken,’ because if that media is good for you so far then there‘s reluctance to change.” Understanding all sides to a story can create more well-rounded and educated media users and can also lead to more constructive conversations with others. “I like to cross-check my information with many sites to make sure I get the full picture on anything,” freshman Ranganathan Srinivasan said. “It is better to use
Destined or deranged? The reality of parasocial relationships BY VIDUSHI UPADHYAY
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ith the rise of social media, relationships between fans and celebrities have grown more intimate. Fans are prone to developing unhealthy relationships with their favorite stars, desperately trying to stay up to date with and gain recognition from them. Although fans often claim to only gain happiness from such activities, being emotionally dependent on someone completely unaware of the other’s existence can cause anxiety, loneliness and social isolation. Such parasocial relationships must be prevented by limiting social media usage, setting boundaries and focusing on maintaining genuine relationships with people in real life. Parasocial relationships are defined as one-sided relationships in which consumers idolize media personas and act like lifelong friends despite having little to no interaction with them. Accessing information about celebrities’ families and childhoods often gives obsessive fans the illusion that they have a genuine relationship with their idol. Parasocial relationships are most commonly associated with fans of actors and singers but also include fans of fictional characters and even online content creators. “When you feel a connection to a celebrity and think they truly care about you when you don’t even
know them, it’s a very complicated situation to be in,” senior Maia Bline said. “There’s a distinct difference between looking up to a person and feeling connected to them. Stars do try to connect with their fans, but there’s nothing beyond appreciation.” With one party completely unaware of the other’s existence, it is difficult to set safe boundaries in parasocial relationships. According to a 2022 study by Thriveworks, a counseling and psychiatric service, approximately 51% of Americans reported symptoms of being in a parasocial relationship. The sudden spread of obsessive fan culture has also normalized stalking of public figures by fans desperate for every minute detail of their lives. Idolizing mass media figures often results in fans losing themselves to unhealthy worship of public figures. Some celebrities
exploit fans by creating products marketed to audiences that follow them religiously, easily convincing fans to waste their money. Partakers in parasocial relationships are often adolescents who struggle with low selfesteem or loneliness. Turning to a parasocial relationship to cope with struggles will lead to the deterioration of one’s real life relationships due to lack of time and effort invested into the people in their lives. Similarly, spending time in isolation, while maintaining a “relationship” with a star unaware of their individual fans’ existences can lead to a greater addiction to social media. If a parasocial connection is made with a figure, who displays negative behavior or traits, these actions can reflect in the fan’s behavior as well. “The limit is prioritizing them over yourself, your family, your academics, career
and health,” sophomore Meghana Babu said. “Obsessing over someone who doesn’t know you exist and not applying yourself or pursuing interests outside of being a fan is ultimately to your own detriment.” Limiting time on social media, engaging in hobbies and activities with others and prioritizing physical and mental health will prevent parasocial relationships. “If it gets to the point where you’re following their updates obsessively, following them in real life, and hurting other fans, you’ve already crossed the line,” Bline said. If done in moderation, partaking in a fan base can be beneficial to both the star and their followers. Following celebrities gives people the chance to build communities and meet new friends who share common passions and interests. Many fans look up to these figures for inspiration for their work, from creating fan art to singing covers to expressing their love and appreciation through different mediums. “Being a fan has allowed me to find music I enjoy and build friendships that I will cherish for years to come, but I refrain from getting involved in my favorite celebrities’ personal affairs as I don’t actually know them in real life,” Babu said. “At the same time, I was inspired to explore art and I feel like I’ve improved in the last two years because of how supportive and considerate most of the GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY JASMINE RIHAL AND MYLES KIM NCT fan base is.”