Millions of users are online at least once a day on some form of social media, consuming content that shapes their actions and vocabulary. Apps including TikTok and Instagram have become platforms upholding negative teen culture with its “funny” memes and distracting videos. These trends have normalized harmful vocabulary used to bully your friends without even thinking about it.

Campolindo has become no exception: students use social media as an outlet to cure boredom, create content, and open new opportunities. With the mass numbers of students using social media, a new culture is starting to arise with cushioned insults framed as humor. However, it’s important to reflect on the impact of seemingly nontoxic humor and the lasting impact it has on its victims.

Senior Ori Rogers believes this type of behavior is perpetuated by social media through influencers and trends. Rogers stated, “People want to be like the people they see online, so they’ll use words that the [influencers] they see are using so they think they can be cool.”

These comments are flooding our school as students repeat these terms to friends and peers. When asked if she heard these comments around campus, senior Sage Balducci said, “I’ve heard a lot of like, ‘they’re chopped’ and stuff like that.” Most people don’t think about the negative effects of these comments when they’re being said, but ultimately some find these words to be at least slightly offensive.

Phrases such as, “big-back” or “chopped,” the first labeling someone as overweight, and the latter, someone as unattractive or ugly, are intended as a comedic approach used to playfully make fun of their friends. Some people, especially teens with online influence, are struggling with body image issues and mental health problems, especially when others are using negative words that will put them down. Calling a friend ugly or fat will only worsen how they feel about themselves, not improve their body image. And although meant to be funny, friends should never make comments on each other’s bodies.

Social media is increasingly becoming a source of negativity that is rapidly spreading with its obstructive comments ranging from false beauty standards to a harsh insult on one’s eating habits. With social medias hold on newer generations, harmful negativity is increasingly prevalent. Making youth believe it’s okay to make fun of others.