These days technology is everywhere. It’s not uncommon to walk the hallways and see a student with texting away with a cell phone, oblivious to the fact that they are about to be crushed by the stampede of oncoming students.

Sure, it’s fun to see the pictures from friends vacations or watch a YouTube video on cats from time to time. Social media can influence how classrooms are run and come in handy for group projects.

But how much is too much? These days, it seems kids are consumed with social media, even young children. Kids now have websites now such as Club Penguin to interact with each other.

People seem to be sucked into some weird technological vortex in which they have to tell the world what they are doing at all times. Twitter, Facebook, and now even Google are all sites that allow its users to stay in constant contact with their peers.

Although these can have its benefits, it remains a constant source of entertainment and distractions for many students. Instead of doing homework or even going out and having fun, they waste time scrolling through their newsfeed online.

Not only are social media websites incredibly time consuming, they also open doors for cyberbullying and sexting. According to the Official Journal of American Pediatrics teens who spend large amounts of time on Facebook are more likely to show signs of depression.

“ When talking to people online, you just get less of that face to face connection,” sophomore Rose Saydahmat said.

Between school and extracurricular activities, teens should make sure to balance time on the computer with reality. Not only will teens be able to enjoy the great outdoors, but they’ll be able to get more work done.