Battling Hearts and High Scores: A Teenage RomCom

Battling Arguments and Distractions

A staring match with my arch-nemesis at the moment isn't so bad because clearly, I'm going to win this. Shalom's icy blue eyes are locked on mine from across the debate podium, refusing to blink first. The tension builds with every passing second.

"Shalom. Sage. Get on with your points." Mrs. Cromwell's voice cuts through the silence, her eyes narrowing as she sits in the front row, clearly used to our back-and-forth antics. Our teammates are watching intently, probably wondering how long we'll keep this up. "Team 1, affirmative, please give your opening statement."

I break the stare-off, smirking as I deliver my argument without looking away from Shalom. "In this debate, I will argue that social media does indeed have a negative impact on teenage mental health. I'll discuss how excessive use of social media leads to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression. I'll present evidence supporting my claim and advocate for responsible social media usage among teens."

I'm still watching Shalom, daring her to react, but all she does is flash that infuriating pearly white smile of hers. Her hands move over her note cards, but I know she won't need them. She's been prepped for this debate since the day she hit 150k followers.
"Team 2, negative, your turn," Mrs. Cromwell continues, already exasperated.

Shalom stands, tossing her long brown hair over her shoulder before beginning her rebuttal.

Typical. I can already feel all of our debate teammates focusing in on her like she's some kind of celebrity.

"Pretty privilege" is for sure real. It's obvious people will easily favor her no matter the argument she puts out.

"I will argue the opposite—that social media can positively impact teenage mental health. It fosters community, supports self-expression, and builds connections that improve mental well-being. It's about using it the right way, not banning it altogether."

The confidence dripping from her voice would throw anyone off their game, but not me. I've been through this same stuff before. Still, the irony of her defending social media when she practically lives on it isn't lost on me.

"Social media positively impact teenagers' mental health?" I raise an eyebrow, emphasizing positively, unable to resist. "That's rich coming from someone who spends more time taking selfies and posting their cheerleading stunts than studying for this debate."

Her eyes narrow, but she recovers quickly, flashing that same smile that I've come to hate so much. "And it's always nice to see you taking this so seriously, Sage. You must be a super fan of mine. You should take a picture, it'll last longer."

Mrs. Cromwell clears her throat, her patience thinning. "Stay on topic, you two."

"Right." I glance down at my notes, all while Shalom smirks in victory, but I won't let her distract me for long.

"The affirmative first argument is about social media's comparison culture. Users are constantly exposed to idealized lives and images, leading to low self-esteem and mental health issues. Studies show platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and even Facebook contribute to this, causing teens to have a fear of missing out—otherwise known as FOMO—which can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and eating disorders."

Shalom coughs loudly when I'm done. "Sorry, there must be some misinformation he provided, making my throat a little scratchy."

"I can get you some water," Max pipes up immediately, rushing to get a plastic cup and filling it up in the water dispenser in the back of the class.
"Really, man?" I huff, staring at my friend as he adjusts his glasses after fetching Shalom a cup of water.

"No, no, it's okay, Max. I thoroughly appreciate it because I'm about to provide the best counter-argument that's ever been said in this room." Shalom counters by tucking a pencil behind her ear like she's suddenly Mrs. Cromwell.