The extinction of the awkward phase – Mustang News

Credit: Rain Mazumder / Mustang News The unfair pressure put on them to mature at increasing rates is a direct cause of the creators of the social media platforms reinforcing these standards. Erin Yarwood is a journalism junior and opinion columnist for Mustang News. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang Media Group. Buried deep within the feed of my dad’s Instagram profile lies evidence of my 2015 awkward phase: a time in my life visualized by Adidas soccer shorts, blue-bracket braces and a high ponytail so tight my hairline never returned.  Possessing a photo of a smaller, tweenager version of yourself looking a little ill-favored with a smile from ear to ear, seems to be a guaranteed occurrence for almost every friend I have ever had. But the awkward phase is coming to its extinction, and the effects of its disappearance are much more detrimental than one might think.  It can’t possibly be that awful if kids no longer have to go through a stage where they seem to lack any style, smarts or self care, right? Well, it is. Kids are starting to use social media and mobile devices earlier than ever
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