Gemotions

The email arrived like a punch to the gut. Ms. Chen, my art teacher, had requested access to my Pinterest boards. I reread the email several times. The screen seemed to blur. My meticulously curated collection of art references, fashion inspiration, and, yes, some embarrassing childhood drawings, was now potentially visible to her.

I felt a prickling sensation on my skin. I clicked on her name, hovering over the “accept” button. The digital world around me narrowed. I couldn’t breathe. I shut the laptop.

My stomach churned. I immediately went to the bathroom and splashed cold water on my face. Looking in the mirror, I saw a stranger, a person whose carefully constructed online life felt utterly exposed. I couldn't understand why I was reacting so intensely.