Social media was originally designed to help people connect and express themselves. While it has brought some benefits, many now argue that it has also created a more divided world—one marked by anxiety, addiction, and pressure disguised as connection.
Young people feel these effects most. Elementary, middle, and high school students—often called “digital natives”—have grown up with constant online access. Many have never experienced life without the noise and overwhelm of social platforms. Still, students themselves are starting to recognize the harm and are taking steps to protect their well‑being. ASEZ STAR, the student volunteer group of the World Mission Society Church of God, decided to take action and bring this conversation to the forefront.
ASEZ STAR Raises Awareness About Social Media’s Impact
On January 11, 2026, ASEZ STAR student volunteers hosted Disconnect to Reconnect, a forum focused on the effects of unregulated social media use. The event brought together New York City middle and high school students, public safety officials, military personnel, and educators. The goal was to encourage honest conversations about technology use and to help students rebuild real, meaningful connections beyond the screen.
Educational Consultant Dr. Shana Eutsay expressed her strong support for the forum, saying, “One of the biggest highlights was seeing the students reflect on what they thought was the importance or unimportance of social media. I realized they are actually listening, concerned about their wellbeing and how they use technology.”
High school junior Leonardo Olivares, from Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics, shared his own experience, saying, “Social media is taking too much of our time that we could share with friends and family, and there are strategies that can help reduce how much time we spend on screens.”
ASEZ STAR Students Receive Recognition for Their Efforts
To honor the students’ initiative, the Bronx Borough President awarded ASEZ STAR a certificate of merit, stating, “ASEZ STAR has demonstrated a profound understanding of the challenges facing today’s youth in an increasingly digital world, and has taken meaningful action to promote healthier, more balanced approaches to social media use.”
ASEZ STAR students hope to continue spreading this message of care and awareness to their schools and communities. They aim to inspire lasting change by reminding their peers that life is richer and more meaningful beyond a glowing screen. In their own words, “only together can we make a change!” This forum is just one of many steps they plan to take toward a healthier, happier future.
