There is a trend on Twitter referred to as “Retweet for Prom.” This involves one asking how many retweets he needs in order to take a certain someone to prom. Theoretically, if he reaches the benchmark, he can take the person to prom. This trend has landed teens celebrity prom dates such as Nik Stauskas‘ girlfriend and Caitlyn Beth. More locally, teens at LHS are giving this market ploy a try.

In a Lancer Media poll, the majority are against the idea of “Retweet for Prom.” In fact, some students added an entirely new section to the survey titled: “It’s just stupid.”

Senior Colleen Laverty said, “That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard!” Few saw the idea as creative. Many did not agree that one should resort to internet peer pressure to get a prom date. Those who are in favor commented that it’s simply a new way to ask someone to prom.

Junior Matt Knowlden used the “Retweet for Prom” method to ask junior Montanna Hill to prom. “I thought it would be a fun idea. It would be funny. See if I could actually make it that high in retweets (300), and I did, which made me really surprised.”

His peers reacted positively. Matt said that it was somewhat expected of him since he has a reputation as a comedian. Montana Hill said she didn’t know whether to take him (Knowlden) seriously, so she agreed. “I thought it was nice, but at the same time I wasn’t sure if he was being serious or not.

After reaching (and exceeding?) the target number of retweets, the one who is being asked still has to agree to the date. So in reality, “Retweet for Prom” is not a shortcut.

“Retweet for Prom” is a fad, and, like the Ice Bucket Challenge, it will soon fade.

I have an idea.  How about a guy asks a girl how much money he has to raise for a legitimate charity like ALS?  At least the social media would be for a great purpose–even if she says, “no.”

It seems to work better in the celebrity stratosphere, rather than realistically.

Guys: It’s a good marketing ploy, but not a good relationship strategy.