In recent years, social media has made its way around some of the younger generations. Over time, more and more social media platforms have been created in the hopes of bringing people closer together, but is it?

Social media sites have all been aimed toward younger demographics in the hopes of trying to lure in potential users with fun filters, messaging, chances to connect with celebrities and funny accounts.

One of the biggest platforms out right now is Twitter. The president of our country even utilizes the site, though many of his tweets elicit controversy. Political outreach has spread through the younger generation with aide from social media sites. Timelines are cluttered with politics, fighting, and disagreements.

Once a site used mainly by celebrities to reach their fan bases, Twitter has now evolved into a much larger platform. With just 280 characters, people around the world send out thousands of tweets per minute trying to “go viral.”

Can this site have negative effects other than viral funny memes, though?

Just recently, a dangerous game dubbed “The Tide Pod Challenge” has been circulating the web. This trend started on Twitter after a user posted a video of themselves eating a laundry detergent pod. (See Maggie Poronto’s article and video for more information on the epidemic.)

More than a few high school students can attest to seeing quite a lot of drama going down through Twitter. Earlier this year this school was under siege by an inner divide caused by a tweet concerning Holt’s mascot. This conflict has since been resolved but it still begs the question; is Twitter doing more harm than good?

On the positive side of the comments, Twitter is just another excellent ways to keep younger demographics involved in the world’s news. News networks have official accounts highlighting the breaking news stories.

It is also a wonderful way to spread inspiration, encouragement, and good news. It’s a comedy show right at your fingertips.  People make accounts dedicated to TV shows, movies, actors, singers, etc.

Whether or not people agree with Twitter being a negative or positive site, it all boils down to how we portray ourselves online. We’re all part of this endless discussion between social media being positive or negative.