How to use your social media for good
Can social media be used for good?
It's something I've been thinking a lot about lately.
As I build more of my business on platforms such as Instagram and LinkedIn, I'm spending a lot more time there. (No, I haven't jumped on the TikTok train yet—have you?)
While these platforms bring a sense of connection and opportunities, they also bring a sense of overwhelm. And lately, it feels like more of the latter.
Historically, humans started out by just knowing what was happening in their immediate tribe or community. What was happening halfway across the world was not presented to us upon first blinking our eyes open to a social media app. Now, we're being inundated with more messages than we used to in a day, a week—maybe even a month! And it's not just news organizations that are reporting the events. It's first-hand videos, experiences, and perspectives that hit differently, landing deep in our minds and our hearts. Just writing this makes my anxiety go up.
Social media has revolutionized the way we receive news and information. Now breaking news and up-to-date notices about how events are unfolding happen via social media channels. Surveys done in 2022 found that 44% of Millennials and 50% of Gen Z reported using social media as a primary news source. If you otherwise weren't engaging in the news, this could be a good thing. However, if your algorithm is biased to what news it's showing you, or you're only reading headlines and not sourcing the full story, this gets dangerous.
The good news? We have more control over our social media experiences than we realize.
Instead of giving up and deleting your apps altogether, here are some ways I've found to make it a healthier, more positive space.
1) Curate your feed with intention: Follow and engage with people who inspire you, make you laugh, entertain you, and add value to your life. The more you interact with positive and educational content, the more your feed will reflect that. A great place to start is with authors, podcast hosts, or thought leaders you love. Or, if you're like me, puppies work great, too!
2) Unfollow or mute with purpose: If certain accounts consistently make you feel bad about yourself, unfollow or mute them. That said, I don't believe in completely blocking out opposing views. I follow people I disagree with politically and otherwise to stay informed and approach differences with curiosity. But if someone's content sparks anger, internal judgment, or negativity, it's okay to mute them temporarily or fully step away. And know there are lots of other places to get your news.
3) Train your algorithm: Your algorithm is shaped by you and your behavior—what you engage with, what you watch, what you scroll past. You don't have to doom-scroll. Lately, I've been watching more nature videos, Taylor Swift clips, and motivational quotes, and my feed has transformed into something that feels much lighter and more inspiring, and I can be more intentional about when and where I get other necessary information. If you feel stuck or trapped in your algorithm, dod you can reset it on many platforms? Here are instructions for Meta/Instagram.
4) Pause before you react or repost: Don't be a part of spreading misinformation or reacting to a headline. If a headline causes you pause go search the information on another site or dive deeper into the topic. Be especially cautious in this age of AI-generated content—I've been duped by a few things lately!
5) Use social media to build genuine connections (I saved my favorite for last!): Despite the reality that social media contributes to loneliness and isolation, I've found it to be an incredible tool for connection. I've discovered coaches and programs that changed my life, formed friendships, and expanded my support system. Don't be afraid to send a DM or attend a new community event you hear about through social media. If you engage authentically and intentionally, social media can be a place to find your people—whether that's a local hiking group, a niche community, or like-minded professionals.
I personally have instituted a lot of these changes over the years and have found new benefits in social media. And then there are people who have decided to get off social media, and I don't blame them!
It's a big part of our lives, so if you want to stay on the platform, you can protect yourself —and your sanity—with these tweaks.
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About the author: Kelly (Underell) Stevens is an alignment coach and speaker dedicated to helping women leaders and entrepreneurs grow their impact and live life on their own terms by giving them the tools to choose less and show up for themselves. Learn more at www.kellystevens.co.