By Katie MacBride, Online Editor-in-Chief

It’s a new year. Social media is full of improved goals and attitudes, new diets to try, motivating posts to get active and New Year’s resolutions that people say they’ll follow through with, but never do.

But on Jan. 3, World War III memes started trending on social media due to the arising conflict between the United States and Iran.

I was filled with an array of emotions at the sight of these posts, but to be blunt, I was disgusted. The trending popularity of these posts and the thought of people finding humor in a situation such as a world war – including the tragedies that come from war – appalled me.

It is sad to think that social media has made it seem socially acceptable to joke about a large-scale tragedy. I believe that our generation has turned to this humor because it hasn’t had someone say it isn’t OK.

People of our generation have grown up with the Internet their whole lives and have had access to the large amount of information that is available, all the time. But sometimes this availability at the touch of a button can be manipulative. Children who are growing up in this generation are seeing so much information online whether it is for school purposes or life in general. What is posted on social media and the internet has taught people what is acceptable. 

So where should the line be drawn?

Memes and other jokes on social media can be humorous and appropriate, but at some point, people need to grow up.

Posts about World War III are insulting to the families and personnel associated with the military along with others who have ties to the issue. It is a slap in the face to the people who are putting their lives on the line for our country and for the citizens of our country. Their selflessness allows others to be able to sit at home – creating, posting and reposting memes.

Not to mention that the memes are conveying false information to the public. They imply unfactual information as fact and they also take the pictures and information that are used to create the memes out of context: For example, there’s been no talk of a military draft taking place, except in countless memes. People who are looking at these memes are being exposed to this information and believe that what the meme says is true.

So instead of turning to humor to talk about a serious topic, do something more positive. Use your posting and reposting skills to show support for the troops and promote programs to help families and military personnel. Use your social media time to learn more about the geopolitical issues instead of promoting those allusive memes.

Junior Katie MacBride can be reached at 21macbrideka62@daretolearn.org.