Random Kid: What was the hardest thing you had to do growing up? Me: Trying to decide who was going to make my Myspace "Top 8" for the week.

Admit it... Don't you just miss the days when your hardest decision was choosing which friends made your "Top 8" for the week? My first encounter with the Internet was with this ancient social media platform. I had no business on Myspace due to the fact that I was way too young (I was born on August 24, 1996). I may or may not have reassigned my birth date as August 24, 1989 😄. 

For anyone reading this born around my time, I'm sure we all have the same first real friend:

My parents forbid I have any social media pages during my middle school days, so my page stayed very hidden and private. Let's forget about the fact that I completely disobeyed my parents and shine light on the fact that Myspace was an absolute gem. I don't remember any interesting events that occurred during the time I had a page, but I do remember enjoying every last minute of it. Once Facebook became open to everyone and not just college students, my peers and I said farewell to Tom and "Hello" to Mark Zuckerberg.

In more modern times, social media has been a very negative resource. Last April, gunman Steve Stephens killed an elderly man during a "Facebook Live" session. Although the "live" video made it easier for police to identify the suspect, the victim's family has to live knowing this video is still on the Internet. Facebook Live has been an asset to those with businesses or families that stream important events, however many choose to use the resource for harm. Personally, I believe some things aren't meant to be seen by the world.

In the future, I can see social media becoming more invasive. Most social media platforms have the ability to track your location and you also have the ability to "check in" to your current location. A few months ago, Snapchat launched a feature where you can see your friend's locations in real time (see picture below). Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram have "smart filters" that use facial recognition software. Also, employers currently use social media as a determining factor when it comes to hiring. Social media seems to be one of those things that can make or break you. 

Social media has changed tremendously since the first time I used it. Myspace is a thing of the past while Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat seem to be the favorites among people. When I first began using social media, my purpose was pure entertainment. Now, social media plays a big part in gaining clients for my graphic design business and maintaining connections. I feel as if social media users have a certain responsibility when it comes to making posts. We live in a time of #MeToo, #BlackLivesMatter and bigotry in the White House, so it is vital that users show empathy towards one another. The Internet has the ability to be one of the best things that's ever happened to humans if it is used correctly.