A popular concept on social media that has spread to students at WHS is “school air,” a theory that one’s appearance becomes significantly worse the moment a student steps foot in the school building. This common perception is difficult to scientifically study, so the question remains: is this idea a delusion or a reality? 

   I believe the answer to this question is that while there is certainly some perceptual impact that students face, “school air” can actually happen and is caused by poor indoor air quality present in most schools. 

   Students who have experienced this phenomenon agree that there really is something in the air at WHS. 

   “I believe ‘school air’ is a thing,” said sophomore Maliyah Mallory. “At the beginning of the day, I do my hair routine, and it looks all nice. Then by the end of the day, it’s a mess, and it’s all frizzy. I believe that’s because it [is] very humid in [WHS], thus leading to my hair frizzing up.”

   I agree with this observation that the air might be the cause of worse appearances, and I think it has to do with the actual air quality and humidity in schools affecting one’s appearance. Air quality can often be affected by various uncontrollable factors. 

   “Schools’ indoor air quality can be impacted by a variety of factors including the building’s location, airflow and ventilation, temperature and humidity…and even occupant behavior,” stated The American Lung Association. 

    I believe that due to the generally unpredictable weather, different heating in different areas of the school, and a general stuffy environment due to hundreds of kids constantly in the halls and classrooms, air quality may not be the most conductive for good skin or hair. 

   Others disagree, and argue that this is more due to how the student feels during school time rather than the actual air affecting appearance. This idea would be defined as “group think,” in which groups of people reach a consensus perception based on what others have said due to the desired to fit in and have a unified thought. This would be in direct contrast to opinions like mine, who believe that it has to do with the actual air quality and environment in schools. 

   “I think that is more [group think],” said junior Komal Jasuja. “I think [school air is] just a result of how stressful the environment is and how a lot of people just don’t want to be here, and they just feel super exhausted throughout the day.”

   I do agree that “group think” has a major effect among students, as it is undeniable that many students have negative perceptions of school that might cause appearance to seem worse; I don’t think, however, that this idea of “group think” is enough to fully refute the key correlation between poorer air quality and poor hair or skin. 

   School air is a concept often not taken seriously by many, but has clear correlation to worse appearances. So next time you hear someone complain about “school air,” just know it is not just a joke!