This generation is addicted, and cannot escape

These days, the younger generation is constantly on their phones. They are easily distracted and have less face to face interactions since they are busy being consumed by their electronics, and yet there is nothing they can do about it. Social media companies are manipulating these kids and causing them to overuse what should have been a hobby or entertainment. Facebook admits to having specific algorithms to maximize user "engagement." This means that Facebook will show the user more posts that they will like, based on what they have look at for extended periods of time in the past. As people are watching for longer, the more ads that are displayed, and the more money Facebook makes. In this way, Facebook acts as a casino, keeping users addicted and browsing away so that they can continue to gain revenue. Although the plan is suitable for business, it harms the younger generation. This is solely for Facebook, which is estimated to take up an hour and a half of a teen's day. Compounded with Instagram, Snapchat, etc., teens are looking at social media for an overwhelming amount of their day, due to company manipulation in order to maximize profit. This time spent browsing social media is time that could be spent studying. In a personal survey, students admitted they had a difficult time studying in their rooms because of their easy access to devices. If students are constantly distracted and always wanting to check their phones for social media, they may spend less time on productive work. Not only does this affect a student's success in schools, but it can also change their cognitive mindsets. A study done by B. Hollins revealed that a multitasking student had lower retention rates and led them to continuously attempt to multitask. The belief that they were completing multiple tasks to "save time" had an addictive nature, hurting their life outlook overall.