Growing up, prom has always been characterized as being an extremely special day that everyone dreams of experiencing in high school. Recently, social media has influenced prom with the idea that going is just for attention rather than the experience.
The meaning behind prom has shifted, and it continues to do so. When going on social media, there are constantly different aspects of prom all across different social media apps. TikTok shows promposals happening, Pinterest has their mood boards, Instagram shows everyone’s highlights, and reels.
Prom has always been a fun, memorable night that has now turned into a deliberately curated event, and social media has started setting the scripts into place. When thinking about prom now, the initial thought is those dress reveals on TikTok, and the coordinated group pictures with big groups of friends. The vision isn’t about going out and having fun with our friends on the dance floor anymore.
Social media has raised major expectations of prom that people can’t realistically meet. Individuals scroll past the over-the-top personally made outfits, party buses, limousines, and people having professional photoshoots. Before the expectations of going to prom, and having dinner after was more than ideal.
Prom should never be a competition that some people make it seem to be. All this prom pressure doesn’t just affect how we feel, but it also affects our pockets. These teens feel the need to go over the top by buying the most expensive prom dress ever.
Teens are quick to go out and spend a large amount of money on prom. Teenagers strive for validation, so they go out of their way to get these prom dresses and spend so much. This financial pressure can cause a lot of stress.
This stress shouldn’t even be an issue. This is an event that should be something fun and eventful. This experience shouldn’t be strained because of all the stress.
Even friendships can feel strained. Whenever getting ready together, girls like to take cute photos with each other. They like going out and buying accessories and clothes together.
This can cause some drama. Such as who will be in what photo, where they will stand, and why someone got more likes than others.
Social media doesn’t even show all the parts of the night. The most that is shown from someone’s prom night is their 15 second instagram story. Social media doesn’t capture the raw experience of prom
Social media doesn’t capture the experience of having sore feet, the awkward silence in the beginning, and all the funny dances.
Prom isn’t ruined, and it will never be ruined since it’s such an iconic, and important occasion. What’s ruined is our expectations, and how we want our outlook to perform online. Prom is supposed to be a good memory, not a place just to make content.
