The upside of social media
Yes, there is one! Many upsides, in fact.
Social media deserves a lot of its bad reputation but when used properly, there are so many ways that you can reap its multifaceted benefits.
Worlds within worlds
Whatever piques your interest, you are pretty much guaranteed a thread, forum, website, or social media account that speaks to your passion. Think about how much information and activities we have available with just a swipe of the finger – it’s mind-boggling!
Bored? Browse online forums or funny social media pages. Looking for specific information on an obscure concept? There’s probably a thread on that somewhere! Games, online shopping, articles, a podcast, tutorials, news, entertainment – there’s so much to occupy the mind, learn something new or simply zone out for an hour.
The lighter side
Social media websites and apps bridge the connection gap so seamlessly that it’s possible to talk to your childhood BFF on the other side of the world within minutes. This is important because social connections are valuable for our mental health, especially when going through a rough patch.
Loneliness and feeling like you're all by yourself can sometimes make you feel sad, but social media can help with that. Even just “connecting” with fellow commenters on a message or an Instagram post can make you feel heard and seen.
Many mental health groups, therapists and counsellors have social media accounts where they share tips for taking care of your mental health and how to cope with challenges. This can be really helpful for those who are dealing with mental health problems.
Just remember: you still need credible medical advice when it comes to medication and supplements so use these social avenues for camaraderie and support, not as a doctor.
When you need a boost of inspiration or a dose of positivity, social media can be the best fuel for your fire. There are millions of pieces of positive and inspiring content on social media. These could be success stories, quotes that motivate you or lifehacks on how to boost your personal development. Reading or watching this kind of content can go a long way in making you feel happier and more motivated.
Use social media to your benefit
It's FUN!
Sometimes, we just want a laugh. Turn on the news and you’re faced with a traumatic incident, your friend calls with some bad news, your boss yells at you for something that wasn’t even your fault… life can be serious and seriously challenging at the best of times.
So, we just need to switch off and scroll through some memes to feel a little better. And it works too. A recent report published in BMC Psychology says, “Social media can provide opportunities to enhance the mental health of users by facilitating social connections and peer support. Online communities can provide a space for discussions regarding health conditions, adverse life events or everyday challenges, which may decrease the sense of stigmatisation and increase belongingness and perceived emotional support. Mutual friendships, rewarding social interactions and humour on social media also reduced stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Speaking of good health, some apps on social media help you keep an eye on your health and fitness goals. You can see how well you're doing and share your progress with your friends. They can cheer you on, which is very motivating.
Dreaming of a big idea? You could turn that passion into reality by using social media smartly. Platforms such as Kickstarter and Patreon provide artists and creators with the means to secure funding for their ventures. These crowdfunding avenues have empowered numerous individuals to transform their imaginative concepts into tangible realities.
Good to know
As with anything in life – moderation is key and common sense is vital. We know that social media can become addictive, so approach it as a way to learn, have fun and know when to switch off.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.