Social media platforms today are known for easily getting information out to our community and more. According to Emily A. Vogels, a researcher from the Pews Research Center, Tik Tok, a commonly used platform, is used by 67% of teenagers all over the world. It places videos on your “For you page” based on your algorithm and the region where you may stay. In Gwinnett, it is very likely that you may catch a few peers at a neighboring school on your personal “For you page”. Due to the algorithm, there have been multiple videos about South Gwinnett that have abruptly created a flawed image of our school. One particular video circulating the app has received over 186,000 likes. 

To counter this, Student Council introduced the #GottaLoveSouthChallenge in which students were tasked with creating a video showing the positive aspects of South Gwinnett. Junior, Jaden Maxwell did just that, submitting a video highlighting our clubs, sports, and organizations. Jaden said, “I felt like I had already created many positive South videos, regarding games, and just moments around the school so I felt like this challenge was meant for me.” We can find these amazing videos broadcasted on his Instagram, @trendyclips__. Jaden’s videos include clips from games, pep rallies, homecoming, and exceedingly more. When asked what motivated Jaden to start filming and editing videos of our school activities, he said, “Seeing everyone be on one accord cheering for our teams made me want to capture our team in action and the positive energy surrounding it.”

Often, our school is acknowledged for negative disciplinary and behavioral acts, but when will our achievements be recognized? The Comet Crazies have brought back school spirit to our school this year by uplifting our extracurriculars and athletic activities. In response to students who try to promote the negativity at South, our student council has taken up the challenge to promote positive love and culture at our school finally. 

Mrs. Jordan, the sponsor of the student council, and their team gathered together to devise a solution for negative videos surfacing on social media. In order to do this, we had to find a way to “clap back” at the videos by making a viral video full of positive things about our school. Killing them with kindness, Jaden Maxwell was one to step up for the challenge and his video ended up going viral on multiple social media platforms. On Instagram, Jaden’s video is cracking down on some competition with the other videos being spread about our school. The edit is still spiraling and prompting positivity throughout our school and community. 

Often, our school is noticed for negative disciplinary and behavioral acts, but will student achievements be recognized at the same magnitude? Social media challenges like the #GottaLoveSouth brought back school spirit and pride in our school this year by uplifting our extracurriculars, athletic activities, and individuals who positively represent our school. In response to students who try to promote the negativity at South, this challenge shows that there is more good than bad that on our campus and dedicated students are working hard to refine the image of South and redefine what it is to be a Comet. Killing them with kindness, Jaden Maxwell, was one to step up for the challenge and his video ended up going viral on multiple social media platforms. As we continue to shift the algorithm of South and how it is portrayed on social media, students at South are committed and encouraged to show a better picture of our school.