Face Off: Should students refrain from posting their university acceptances on social media?

It’s that time of year again when graduates prepare to head to university. Secondary students either celebrated or grieved their acceptances and rejections. Once those long-awaited acceptance letters arrived, many students couldn’t wait to share the news by posting it on social media.

However, this practice of publicly celebrating university acceptances online should be discouraged.

Secondary school is already an incredibly stressful and insecure time for many young people. When students see classmates publicly parading their acceptances to prestigious universities, it can ignite feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and bitterness. This dynamic can damage relationships and community spirit when students need a solid social support network.

Our society places too much emphasis on getting into elite universities. Students accepted to these schools are often seen as more intelligent or worthy than their peers.

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These social media posts drive students apart, create unnecessary divisions and one-upmanship, and perpetuate the flawed idea that a university’s reputation is the primary determinant of one’s worth.

The healthiest thing for all students is to feel like they are on the same team, supporting each other’s journeys in an inclusive environment.

Publicly sharing university acceptances can put pressure on other students who have yet to hear from their schools of choice. Seeing their peers celebrate their achievements can make students still waiting for their acceptance letters feel even more on edge.

Flaunting university acceptances online can be boastful and insensitive to students from underprivileged backgrounds who may not have had the same opportunities. These posts inadvertently convey that certain students are better based on where they got into university.

Students would be better served by expressing their gratitude privately to family, friends, and mentors who supported them through the university application process. They could also use that energy to reach out and encourage their peers who may be struggling.

As university acceptance letters begin rolling in, pictures of applicants’ excited faces and offers are splashed all over social media.

While some may view this as boasting and feel uncomfortable scrolling through them, I believe students can choose whether they want to post their university acceptances online.

Students should have freedom of speech, which includes the right to post whatever they like. This excludes posts that include any forms of discrimination, inappropriate language, or disrespect. University acceptances certainly do not fall under these restrictions. Social media is a way to share one’s accomplishments; therefore, if students wish to express their happiness on social media, they should have a right to do so.

Moreover, these posts can inspire future applicants. Some may be worried about their abilities and whether they have a chance at getting into their dream university. Being inspired and finding a glimmer of hope can boost their confidence.

This is not a replacement for working hard beforehand, but when one feels down and in doubt about whether they will be accepted into university, posts like these can encourage them not to give up.

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This especially pertains to students considering applying to very exclusive or elite universities who might feel too discouraged to try, given their low acceptance rates. Seeing a friend or peer get into an elite institution shows that someone of a similar educational background can reach this milestone.

Finally, students who post their accomplishments foster an optimistic environment of celebration. In addition to positively impacting future applicants, words of encouragement are helpful in creating a comfortable environment for students to share their achievements.

Posting about their university acceptances and receiving positive comments boosts students’ confidence. It also teaches students that it is OK to celebrate their accomplishments and how social media is a good way to express their excitement.

While students should be mindful of what they post, they should feel comfortable sharing their good news. They are allowed to celebrate.