Takes on Social Media

I remember not-so patiently waiting for the day my mom would allow me to make my own Facebook profile. When I first got a Facebook it was new and exciting. Now, it’s apart of my daily routine. I check it everyday, multiple times a day, to stay involved with my family, friends and news in my home town.  I often wonder though, if social media is having a negative effect on my life and well-being.  

One article I read cited social media as the key factor in the amount of stress people have in their lives. On social media platforms, users are keen to present themselves in the best light possible.  When we see nothing but the highlights of peoples lives, there is a pressure that forms. We can’t keep the positive and negative in our lives in perspective and it causes us to stress. The more we pay attention to our friends’ activities, tastes and possessions, the more stress we report in our lives.  

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-dick/social-networks-and-stress_b_3534170.html?utm_hp_ref=social-networking

Despite the fact that viewing people’s lives out of context can prove to be a stresser on our lives, social media is also proven to reduce loneliness.  In this article, a team at the University of Arizona organized a study on how a person’s volume of Facebook use effects his or her perception of connection to friends, family and the rest of the world.  They found that people who use Facebook more often feel more closely connected to their real lives. You can watch the interview here of the the Professor who headed the experiment.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/30/facebook-loneliness_n_3839003.html?utm_hp_ref=social-networking

My First Profile Picture

February 2008

My Profile Picture Now

June 2014

In the long run, you can see that Facebook is just about like any other fun filled past-time.  It’s great and even good for you, but it’s good to keep the right mindset and take everything in moderation.

Welcome to My Blog!

Hello and welcome to my blog!  My name is Elizabeth Denney and I'm studying Family Consumer Science Education at Henderson State University.  This blog is intended to be an outlet for all things me!  This will encompass just about anything because it's in my nature to try and learn something new everyday.  I'm starting this blog as a way to share the things that interest me, and express my thoughts, opinions and desires as I travel through life.

I’m 19 years old and oldest of five children. I absolutely love being an older sister, so you can expect that I’ll be writing about my adventures with my siblings often.  I have a 15-year-old sister named Jazmine, twin five-year-old brother and sister named Micah and Bethany and a three-year-old sister named Emma.  

(left to right) Bethany, Jazmine, Me, Micah

Emma

Christmas 2013

I try and come home at least every other weekend to spend time with them and the rest of my family.  When I am home, I usually go horseback riding with my aunt Jennifer.  I’ve been riding since I was two and I love it.  Nothing relaxes me more or gets my adrenaline pumping quite like a good ride. (Sounds kind of oxymoronic, but trust me, it makes sense.)  

My aunt Jenn (15) and I (7) on her old

horse Pilgrim. We competed in barrel 

pick-up all the way to state.

View from the back of my horse, Dancer.

July 2014

My favorite ways to relax when I can’t reach a horse usually have to do with working with my hands.  I like to sew, paint, decorate and craft things in general.  I also like to read, but during the semester, reading for pleasure is almost impossible.  And, just like the average person, I like to spend quality time with my friends and binge watch Netflix on the rare occasion that I don’t have other things to do.

My time is mostly consumed by my studies.  I'm a full time student working to get a degree in education specializing in Family Consumer Science.  I chose education because I've found some of my greatest role models in the teachers I've had the honor of learning under.  I also have a great love for my subject which is another reason why I chose to teach.  Sharing the love I have for all that I'll teach and imparting it into students....the thought of it makes me excited for the future!

My average week consists of classes, church, friends and bible studies. Right now, I’m taking 17 hours worth of classes. My classes are Educational Technology, Clothing Construction, Chemistry, Meal Management, Oral Communications, FCS Seminar and labs for Meal MGMT and Chemistry. I go to church at Family Church when I’m home, and New Life when I’m in Arkadelphia. Right now, I’m participating in an awesome bible study at MBSF where we prepare and cook a new recipe and have a bible study while our food cooks. It’s a lot of fun.

There are plenty of things within this post that I’ll expound upon as my blog progresses, but this gives you a pretty good idea of what’s to come.  I hope you enjoy the journey as much as I do!

Jazmine, Me, half of Bethany and Micah.

March 2014