In today’s digital age, you can bank on the fact that most college students are on social media. Whether they’re on all platforms or just one, it’s a rare occurrence today for a young person to not be a part of the wave.

CU student David Malinowski thinks social media can be both beneficial and harmful.

“It’s useful in some cases, but it can also be very hurtful to society and the social aspect of society. It takes away what it promises to give,” Malinowski said.

Fellow student Pat Lucey agrees.

“I think it’s a great tool of communication, but on the other hand, I think it allows people to post their dirty laundry online. I think a lot of people abuse it,” Lucey said shaking his head.

In today’s society, the four main platforms of social media are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

Of the 10 people interviewed, five had all four and used them frequently.

One of the five is freshmen Bayley Lawrence, who is a fan of social media presence.

“I like social media. It’s a good way for everybody from faraway places to stay connected. It especially comes in handy during college because you want to know what’s trending,” Lawrence said with a smile.

Sitting next to Lawrence was CU student Ameer Alkassir, who feels social media is often misused.

“I think it can be good, but people choose to use it judge you in some way and make up opinions about you that are untrue,” Alkassir said.

With the heavy use of social media, however, comes the social media cleanse. For some anyway. This cleanse is a break from the everyday, non-stop digital juggernaut.

CU student Meranda Allen only is in a “cleanse” in one specific situation.

“Sometimes when I am home, we lose service and power, if that counts as a cleanse?” Allen asked jokingly.

Lucey, though, participated in a cleanse from Facebook last summer and was happy with the results.

“When I gave up Facebook for three months last summer, it felt extremely good. I felt rejuvenated for sure,” Lucey said.

Malinowski now only owns Instagram, but used to have all four. He said he narrowed it down to be free of the social media grip.

Alkassir recommends cleanses to those who find themselves constantly on their favorite platforms.

“I took one week off, no social media, and I can honestly say I don’t regret it. I felt I had such a better perspective afterwards,” Alkassir said.