What is the universal thematic message in this book? And which element (character, setting, conflict, voice) contributes the most in the theme and how?

The Effects of Social Media

Social media is prevalent throughout the narrative; the teenage characters are eager to share information, yet they also live in a state of dread about what will be shared. Social media is not condemned as a blight, however; the author presents the phenomenon as both a positive and negative influence. Instead of lecturing on the potential harm of social media obsession, author Karen McManus allows her characters to learn through experience. The very centerpiece of the book is a social media app for sharing local high school gossip, but notably it is not until the characters begin to lose control of how social media shapes their identity that they really awaken to the spectacular potential for a downside.

For a look at all of the novels themes, check out GradeSaver's theme page in the study guide for this unit.