I didn’t go to bed on election night until somewhere a little after midnight when it had been announced that Trump was officially the winner. I watched comments roll in on social media of people’s shock, frustration and horror, and I went to bed feeling mostly apathetic due to how exhausted I was.

Predictably, the next morning when scrolling through Instagram people had gone into a frenzy. Hurriedly posting in waves about their fear and what dangerous after effects would come in the next four years.

Speaking in an objective sense, there is nothing wrong with making these posts. The internet has long been hailed as a virtual gathering place for people to come together, especially in times of turmoil.

People are fearful and seeking some semblance of community. However, several times I wanted to swipe up and message people “why are you posting this?”

Ventura County voted blue, you attend a high school with a liberal demographic and considering how important politics are to you, you probably surround yourself with like-minded people.

I understand why celebrities post messages to go vote and endorse candidates. They have millions of followers, they have influence.

However, high school students, many of whom I saw posting that weren’t even old enough to vote in the first place? At a certain point I have to wonder, are you posting because you genuinely believe you’re making a difference, or for social reasons?

This is not an insult, it’s a suggestion to think about your actions.

If you truly do care about making a change in the world then go out and do something. As long as it is still enshrined in our Bill of Rights, it is our prerogative as American citizens to petition for the change we want to see.

However, this mass hysteria and spamming of posts does nothing but create noise.

If you believe in your heart of hearts that this is the end of democracy, maybe do something other than post an Instagram story.