⋆˚꩜｡SHAIMA, Obeid Alsalem

ꫂ ၴႅၴ The dreams we are chasing and the reality that is chasing us are always parallel they never meet ꫂ ၴႅၴ

[miaanotmeahh]

GROUP 2: MORALIST APPROACH

Title of the Literary Piece:

The Necklace

Theme:

The story focuses on pride, greed, and the desire for a higher social status. Mathilde Loisel is unhappy with her simple life and dreams of being rich and admired. Because of her pride, she borrows a necklace to look wealthy at a party. This desire to appear important leads to the main conflict of the story.

Values Implied:

The story shows the importance of honesty, contentment, humility, and responsibility. Mathilde and her husband choose not to tell the truth about the lost necklace. Instead, they work hard for many years to replace it. Their experience shows how being dishonest can make life harder, while being humble and honest can prevent suffering.

Lesson/s Learned:

The story teaches us to be thankful for what we have and not to compare ourselves to others. Wanting too much attention and luxury can cause problems. It also teaches that telling the truth is important because lies can lead to bigger consequences. True happiness does not come from wealth or appearance but from being content and honest.

[miaanotmeahh]

NOT THE SPARK, JUST THE FUEL

“We don’t notice the damage while scrolling until we suddenly feel like we are not enough.” Social media has become an important part of teenagers’ and young adults’ lives. Many become dependent on it, affecting their sense of self over time. I claim that social media is the gas to the fire it may not start the problem, but it definitely makes it stronger. It creates unrealistic expectations of the world, other people’s lives, and what “success” should look like. According to a 2023 study by the American Psychological Association, teens who spend more than three hours a day on social media have a significantly higher risk of anxiety and depression. This constant exposure makes viewers doubt their ability to grow and become the best version of themselves, causing insecurity, envy, comparison, and emotional stress. Without realizing it, many start copying lifestyles and personalities they see online, slowly losing trust in their own growth.

However, social media isn’t inherently harmful. Some individuals use it responsibly for learning, teaching, emotional support, and connecting with others who share similar experiences. In these cases, social media can be a tool for confidence and healing rather than insecurity. But most teens are still figuring out who they are, which makes it easy to fall into comparison and self-doubt.

In conclusion, social media does not create the fire, but it intensifies the flames. Teenagers must be aware of its effects and learn to use it responsibly. While it can provide support and learning opportunities, its influence on mental health cannot be ignored. Social media is a powerful force—it can either fuel growth or amplify insecurity, depending on how it is used.