5 Positive Ways to Use Social Media
According to Digital Marketing Blog, 65% of eligible users (age 13 and up) spend an average of two hours on social media every day. Like everything in life, social media is what we make it. If we’re not mindful we can unintentionally waste hours not just literally downloading data, but subconsciously downloading other people’s opinions and ideas, or in other words, internalizing particular thought patterns. That’s why it’s important to be conscious about what we’re reading, watching, and clicking. We don’t have to be slaves to the internet. Judiciously choosing what we engage in online can be extremely beneficial to our mental health and productivity. Streamline exactly what you want to consume to take control of the content you’re seeing regularly. Here are five ways to use social media to your advantage.
1. Use it to laugh
Make a point to follow humorous accounts that help you see the bright side of life. If laughter is the best medicine, there’s no shame in self-medicating with the funniest accounts on Instagram.
2. Use it to hype people up
Don’t underestimate the power of spreading some cyber love. I know the phrase “be kind” is cliché but I promise you’ll never regret leaving an encouraging comment under someone’s post. Watch the love come back to you tenfold.
3. Use it to stay informed
One of the amazing gifts of the web is the infinite access to information it provides. I love following news outlets to stay in the know about the latest news and developments in the world.
4. Use it to find niche content
If you have a hobby or some special interest consider finding that community online. You can become a knowledgeable student of just about about any subject if you’re following experts on your field of choice. Learn recipes, dance moves, how to become better at dating, or anything else that strikes a chord with you.
5. Use it to hold yourself accountable
I’ve found that if I share my goals for the day with my social media friends and followers, I’m way more likely to actually follow through with them. For example, if I post a photo of myself in workout clothes and say I’m about to get a sweat in, there’s no turning back after that...unless I want to spend the rest of the day feeling like a fraud. Tag your friends for mutual accountability check-ins!
