“Social media doesn’t need adult control. What we need is some good taste.”

Amazing writing from Olympia Nelson, an 11th grader:


From the moral high ground, they can damn a girl for visual
promiscuity, yet enjoy the spectacle at the same time, both with the
same misogynistic motives: I like your form but I’m able to scorn you.
You’re what I want but you’re less than me. Girls try to conform to this
”ideal” stereotype in their photos and these boys sarcastically
comment, ”Nice personality” – really implying that the cleavage is
their only attribute. Yet they also click the ”like” button. The boy
who mocks a girl showing her cleavage is in fact the same boy who
craves sexual opportunities with her.

A common adult reaction to social media is to restrict
things, as if that could ever be possible. You can’t force kids to be
nice. The real problem isn’t something tangible like sexting or
bullying, which adults focus on in patronising and unimaginative ways.
The real problem relates to conformity. Kids are compelled to act the
stereotype, because those who opt out commit themselves to social
leprosy. Social media doesn’t need adult control. What we need is some
good taste.

It’s a classic damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don’t for young women.  Either you participate in selfie culture, making you a “slut,” or you abstain, making you a prude.  It’s a game where whatever choice you make, you lose.  The only answer is not to play.

UPDATE: Derek pointed out in the comments that “Year 11” means grade level, not age, so I’ve corrected the post.

2 thoughts on ““Social media doesn’t need adult control. What we need is some good taste.”

  1. Derek

    Well-written but Year 11 != 11 years old

  2. Good catch! I feel a little better that she's 17….

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