The role social media plays is one of both power and ability in our lives. How much power does social media have over you and how much power do you have over it?
Social media holds a tremendous amount of power. No matter how many good or bad aspects there are to it, social media is a powerful force in today's world.
As I was creating this post, I learned that around 4.48 billion people use social media worldwide. Now, it is important to note that there is a multitude of purposes for which this specific form of media is used for.
Some examples include:
Connection with others
Receiving news
Sharing information
Entertainment purposes
Within all of these purposes lies a combination of both positive and negative attributes encompassed within social media that I will be touching on in this post.
The Cons:
I think we can all probably identify that social media has been a challenge for us at one point in time for us. While it has been around for quite some time, it is not uncommon for many people, to feel, or have felt, as though social media played a negative role in their lives. It is a platform, well a variety of platforms, that embodies a multitude of information. It shows us all different types of people from all walks of life while sharing various types of news and entertainment. Now, we don’t always have control over the information we view and receive on social media given the built-in algorithms and advancements in technology. The information we are being consumed with can unquestionably cause some potential insecurity, comparison, and negative thoughts or beliefs to develop about others and ourselves. The point I’m trying to make is that social media has the ability to be a toxic place. It can feed us with negativity that can affect our days, our mindsets, and in turn, how we feel about ourselves. I mention these areas of social media in this post because of the importance it holds to being able to identify certain areas of negativity in our lives. Identifying if social media holds negativity in our lives at times can help us to take the steps back to ask ourselves; what platforms, what people, and/or what topics are causing harm in my life right now? Some examples of taking control over this could look like: blocking certain words from our accounts that can cause old things to be brought to the surface, setting time limits, or deleting certain apps for a day or two. Whatever steps or boundaries we need to take that will allow us to feel more peace in our lives are greatly beneficial and it all starts with awareness and identification.
The Pros:
While social media does unquestionably have its flaws, it can be a very beneficial platform, as well. When used correctly and in a healthy manner, social media does have the capacity of holding positive power. It’s a platform that has the power to unite, edify, and educate. Personally, while I have had negative experiences with social media, it has also served as the main platform for me to share my story. Not only have I received opportunities to educate others about disabilities, but I have also been able to meet a number of people with similar medical experiences, as well. Social media is a positive outlet in society in the ways it can unite individuals, bring together people and form communities, and share information that would otherwise go unknown. As seen with how many people use social media, its reach is tremendous and ongoing. Because of this, social media has the capacity to reach people that in-person contact often cannot. Additionally, oftentimes, people use social media as a means of sharing their voices with the world. It can be incredibly intimidating and fearful to speak up in a world with loud opinions, but social media allows individuals to share their stories in the ways they feel comfortable and see fit. Social media provides comfort, flexibility, and opportunity that individuals may feel they cannot receive outside of it. In a world as evolving as our own, it is understandable and incredibly common to feel safe within the large scope of media. If this does resonate with you, I encourage you to continue using the platform you have, and use your voice to the best of your ability!
When it comes down to it, while just as with everything else in the world, there lay positives and negatives to social media too, it is all what you make of it and how you choose to let it reside within your own life.
Tips on how to create a positive relationship with social media:
1. Notice the negativity
Noticing patterns within our social media usage can help prevent negative mindsets and overall negativity in our lives. If we address one area of negativity, then we are able to address other potential areas with ease, as well.
2. Set boundaries
Whether that looks like setting time limits on apps, taking away certain profiles, or taking breaks from platforms, setting boundaries is healthy. Boundaries are a normal, common practice that should be taken periodically if we are finding social media to be toxic for us!
3. Replace the distraction
It’s not uncommon to run towards social media as a means of distracting us from our current situations. We may be dealing with a stressful situation at work or socially, and our instinct is often to run to social media to take our minds away from our problems. However, if TikTok or Instagram are causing more harm than good, then why don’t we turn our attention towards something more positive that will provide us more benefit than potential destruction? Distractions can be good if we allow them to be! Make a list of healthy distractions that can produce more positivity in our daily schedules. Some examples can include: spending time doing a hobby, going on a walk, talking to a friend, or listening to our favorite music.
4. Give yourself grace
It is incredibly easy to be hard on ourselves for not making progress in certain areas despite our recognition and awareness of it. No matter your progress, try and give yourself some grace! If we choose to side with ourselves throughout our progress, we are only just rooting for ourselves and setting ourselves up for success! At the end of the day, we are our biggest critics, but we also have the ability to be our biggest supporters, as well.
REFLECT
How does social media play a role in your own life? What steps can you implement in order to create a healthier relationship with social media?