BENEFITS OF SOCIAL MEDIA
SOME POSITIVE ASPECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media is a great way to raise awareness, bring communities together and help the less fortunate.
Before the use of the internet and social media, we all seemed so far away. America, Japan, England, Finland and so many other countries were all divided by oceans, lands and borders but with the use of social media and the internet, we are able to raise awareness for issues that would otherwise be limited by location. By using social media, we can reach each other, spread information, reach like minded people who can help spread awareness among their communities and so on.
We are able to keep in touch with our loved ones, arrange online catchups and even play virtual games during this lockdown.
Zoom has become the number one go-to video chatting application for social catchups to business meeting. Instagram, Facebook and Twitter also deserve honourable mention for helping us keep in touch and meet like minded people who are able to help and support us. Some of the most trusting and inspirational people I know were found via social media!
Finally, although not specifically social media, as an avid gamer, I find the use of online resources helpful in finding gaming partners. There are various places online to connect and even chat with gamers worldwide. I have met so many people through my love for Animal Crossing and The Sims. I am on various community groups on social media where I can chat about games, get information, tips, advice and even swap friend codes.
Of course this is all done from a safe distance and, as an adult, I am aware of the danger of meeting other's online. If you have a teenager or even a child who frequently games with other's online, it's suggested that you keep an eye on their activity. Have a chat with them about online safety and take interest in what they are doing without being overly critical.
Social media can be a welcome distraction from the outside world or a devastating realization into the world around us.
Social media has acted as a means for me to distract myself from the on-goings around me but it's also been there to remind me of the harsh realities of the world around us. Without it, I doubt I would be kept as informed as I am. I avoid the news at all costs, and have long since stopped trusting state funded news reports. So various social media platforms and online sources have been a direct link to COVID-19 news, election updates and even any new information being spread in regards to mental health services in my local area.
In regards to acting as a distraction, by frequently visiting social media and getting to know others online, I have been able to build a small support network. The support network is usually biased and helps distract me just by chatting about things other than what's on my mind!
What are your thoughts on social media and its impacts? Do you feel that it's a positive, negative impact or a bit of both? How do you use social media and how do you protect your mental health when using it?
This is a guest post by Nyxie from Nyxie's Nook. Check out her blog for more content!
I can fully agree with you about social media being a great distraction from things going on in the world right now x
ReplyDeleteAs a single person, social media has been a solace as we go month after month with limited contact. I am connected to everyone, from grade school classmates to running buddies.
ReplyDeleteI’ve also found on Twitter a group of people also coping with OCD. My mental health is taking a hit from the hours spent alone, so it’s nice to scroll through my Twitter list of fellow OCD warriors to get support.
Social media does its benefits, I've gotten to know so many different and likeminded people on social media and I can call some friends which is amazing! x
ReplyDeleteLucy | www.lucymary.co.uk
I could not agree more - I definitely think social media has a lot of benefits, especially as a hobbyist. It's such a great tool to find likeminded people and learn!xx
ReplyDeletemia // https://beautiful-inspiring-creative-life.com/
I think if I didn't blog I'd probably not use it at all, but it certainly has lots of benefits. I like the fact I can keep in touch with all my family that live abroad.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips Nyxie x
I think that there are some real positives to social media and you've named so many of them. I think it'll be interesting to see how it evolves over the next few years!
ReplyDeleteRosie
I think another benefit of social media is for countries that have repressive regimes, social media can be a way of sharing what's happening as the usual news outlets are often heavily censored.
ReplyDeleteI love this post. I think sometimes we concentrate too much on the negatives of social media than the positives. For someone who been inside sheilding for almost a year now social media has proven to be such an essential line for me to socialise with others. Also, I think Social Media is so vital to keep track of world events and make sure we are aware with what is going on.
ReplyDeleteloved this perspective on social media. i think a lot of people focus on the negatives. but i especially have found it nice this past year as it has been quite isolating. if i didn't have the blogging community, i'd be rather bored.
ReplyDeleteAs someone living alone, social media has been a great way to keep in touch and socialize with friends as well as meet new people around the world. Although there are negatives to social media, I feel that for me at least the positives definitely outweigh the negatives!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! There are so many possibilities when it comes to social media. We just need to find the right balance.
ReplyDeleteSocial Media can be a great place to meet new friends. Not all the people you're going to meet are going to stay, but that's the same as in daily life. You just need to find a good balance in it. thanks for sharing x
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for sharing this! A good reminder that social media is not all bad, especially if it's used right! It definitely helped so many people during the lockdown.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of using social media as a support network, and we all need it right now! Online friends are great for lifting you up when you're down :)
ReplyDeleteAnika | chaptersofmay.com
I love this post! Social media can be a negative thing- but it can also be so positive for users! I think it's great as a support network, and (along with blogging) it's really kept me going in 2020 x
ReplyDeleteWhile it feels weird to say that we're lucky, with all that is going on in the world today, there is one way that we (as a society) are incredibly lucky - the Internet and social media! I can't imagine going through all of this without having that ability to connect with friends and family around the world.
ReplyDeleteA great thought-provoking post! I’m in the camp that sees both pros and cons to social media. There are certainly safety concerns for younger kids that every parent needs to consider. As an adult, I appreciate social media and the friends and community I have gained from participating in it.
ReplyDeleteLovely post! I totally agree with these points! Throughout lockdown, social media has been a distraction from the world and it has allowed me to keep in contact to my friends and family. Social media definitely has advantages and we should appreciate them.
ReplyDeleteI can see the positive and negative aspects of social media. Yet during lockdown, social media has helped me to keep in touch with friends and it would have been much harder without it! Thanks for sharing x
ReplyDeleteI really love this. For years I hated social media like a hypocrite not fully understanding the benefits it has until the pandemic happened. Thank you so much for breaking those down in this blog! Keep up the good work ☺️✨
ReplyDeleteI hear and read so many negative things about social media, and as someone who loves it it's so lovely to read a positive post about it <3 We're so lucky to have social media to keep in touch with loved ones, especially during the lockdown at the moment <3 xx
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting perspective you have here. I like seeing the positive side of things that are often branded as negative. I definitely benefit from social media because it's a huge part of my blogging career. And without my blogging career, I wouldn't be able to work because of my chronic illness. So you could say I'm grateful for social media!
ReplyDeleteThis is such an important topic because social media often comes with a bad reputation. When everybody uses social media in the right way, great things can happen. Whether that's growing a small business or promoting petitions for change. Its just a shame that some people don't conduct themselves in the right way, because they can have a detrimental effect on others.
ReplyDeleteMost recently I have been reading thoughts on the negatives of social media, so it was very refreshing to see this here today! I have always enjoyed finding new friends and communities through platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
ReplyDeleteAll things require balance so I love that you share the upsides to social media; having a place to connect is important.