Have you ever heard someone say “take the red pill”? It means waking up and seeing the truth, even if it’s hard. Today, the red pill can mean realizing how much the media controls the way people think, act, or feel, especially for teens.

“I think social media causes us to see the world differently,” said sophomore Gabriela Punzo.

From TikTok and Instagram to movies and music, teens are always surrounded by media. It suggests what to wear, what to like, how to act, and even who to be. Sometimes, teens don’t even realize how much it’s changing their behavior. Scrolling for hours and comparing themselves to others, leads many to feeling like they aren’t good enough or cool enough.

“Social media distracts us from real world problems today,” said sophomore Martina Welch.

The media also spreads messages about beauty, popularity, and success that aren’t always real. People use filters and post only their best moments. Scrollers start believing that’s what life should look like, forgetting that no one is perfect.

“I think a lot of people need to take the red pill today due to distractions of social media,” said sophomore Carolina Castillo.

Taking the red pill means waking up and asking, “Why do I think this way?” It means thinking for yourself instead of letting the media tell you how to live. It’s about understanding that what you see online is not always the truth.

Everyone is different, and that’s a good thing! No one needs to follow every trend or try to be like influencers. When ILS students decide to take the red pill, they can start living for themselves, not for likes or followers.

So next time you go online, stop and think: Is this helping me? Is this the real world? Or, is it just another trick? Don’t be afraid to take the red pill and see what’s real.

Because the real you is stronger, smarter, and better than anything the media wants you to believe.