Social media is a term that we throw around without even thinking. It has been seen as negative in many ways. But here, we will address some positive effects of social media.
To get the full picture, we’ll first look at what social media is. Then, we will check out some positive points of social media.
In This Article
What is Social Media?
In this article, we will say that social media has two main characteristics: 1) is virtual and 2) has a vast reach.
Social media goes beyond basic communication though. We’ll say that it has a wide reach for collaboration or doing things together. You may have heard this called “mass-collaboration.”
Social media has grown quickly over the years and exists on many virtual platforms. I’m sure numerous apps or sites come to mind.
These platforms have a variety of uses and attract different age groups.
Over time, social media has developed more widespread features. One example is that most have live options for quick connections.
Safety with Social Media
There are some important things to keep in mind for a positive social media experience.
- Consider the amount of time you spend on different platforms.
- As with creating increased wellness in all parts of your life, balance is key.
- Using moderation to determine social media usage is important.
- If you struggle with staying off the screen, set some guidelines. Make a list of things you need to do then use social media as a reward.
- Try not to get sucked into negative views or the possibility of demeaning conversations with others.
- Protect your privacy and make safe decisions.
- Children should be old enough to use social media and be taught to use it. They should be monitored closely as they learn.
Positive Effects of Social Media
Although too much of a good thing can bring problems, we have discovered that there are positive outcomes from social media. If you use a balanced approach, it can have optimistic influences.
Let’s look at some of these. (Check out the “additional notes” for things to consider.)
1. Communication/Staying Connected
It seems like an obvious pro, but social media gives you the opportunity to stay connected to many family members and friends. This may be those that live far away, out of the country, or even those that you don’t always have time to visit.
It’s easy to keep up with what is going on in someone’s life by checking out what they are doing and connecting on social media.
To most people, social media has become a more common mode of connection than talking on the phone or meeting in person. It’s effortless and you can “talk” to multiple people at the same time.
Additional note: Although social media connections are quick and easy, maintaining skills to communicate with others in person is important. Even video chatting keeps current conversation skills alive. You shouldn’t use only communication by messaging or posting to reach out to others.
2. Creates Confidence
This point is especially true for younger users but can spread to anyone who lacks the ability to be a conversation starter.
Beyond just words, there are numerous ideas that can be used with social media to get your point across. This is a great launching pad if there is nervousness whenever you approach others. Sometimes having a layer of protection allows greater confidence to start reaching out.
A good challenge is to maintain communication with more people regularly. Don’t constantly focus on perfection. It’s okay to not have it exactly right every time. Taking a step is important too.
Additional note: It’s important to allow a transition from confidence virtually to in-person growth. Give yourself opportunities to step into new situations to challenge yourself. Use the confidence you found through social media to spill over into your other experiences.
3. Creates Creativity
This point is especially true based on the numerous fun ideas that are available on multiple platforms. Just look at any influencer with a high number of followers and you see this is true. However, that should not be the goal when using social media.
Focus on your creativity based on what you love to do and how you can express yourself in a healthy way. With multiple tools for numerous types of creativity, you’re sure to find one—or more—that you enjoy.
Additional note: Virtual jobs are at an all-time high. You can discover areas that interest you and focus your creativity. Take note of any hobbies or employment opportunities that might be similar or fall into the same categories.
4. Networking
This is a great point for business owners, nonprofit markets, those raising awareness, and just about anyone. Not only does networking help you find like-minded people, but it increases communication.
It’s never been easier to find people you would like to network with. Just think about the wide-spread reach you have compared to the years before social media. Print and in-person experiences were all that most of us used.
It caused great limitations to growth in many areas. Without social media, there would be very little opportunity for the increased reach that has happened around the world.
Additional note: Be mindful to have in-person networking in addition to virtual. This keeps you focused on others in a more viable way. It’s a great way to get involved in your community and increase your engagement. It helps to identify your skills as a leader and influencer.
5. Marketing
Using social media for marketing has become a common way for large and small businesses to reach their customers.
Marketing is necessary with any business and can be used to gain funding for nonprofits and other great causes. Using more than one platform increases reach among different groups and provides greater ways to network too.
Announcements for upcoming sales and events, skills of professionals, and how a business can help you are great focuses for marketing on social media.
Additional note: Depending on the type of marketing you need, it’s still good practice to be personable and give others the opportunity to consult with you directly. Even if your needs do not include direct consultation, staying connected is key. This could include answering comments or even sending video tutorials or clips.
Check out this article on ways to get ahead.
6. Spreading Information
In its most basic form, this includes sharing news or information that others may want or need to hear. In addition, this can be a way that you reach many with ideas for improvement, training, statistics, helpful info for lifestyle situations, or even about environmental health.
Think about the number of hacks, hints, and ideas that you’ve seen on social media. How many times have you said, “Why didn’t I think of that?” A bunch if you’re like me. The greatest part is knowing that we have most anything we need at our fingertips.
Additional note: While this is one of the best parts of social media, there is a caution I must share. Don’t believe everything you see and read. Sometimes when we start out just fooling around and killing time, it’s easy to get caught up and focused in areas that may not be good advice.
If something seems relatable, we’re more likely to stick around and check it out. However, ideas and points should be carefully considered—and even researched further—before assuming they’re correct.
7. Provides support
One of the greatest things about social media is the support you can find from others. There are endless areas for support and numerous platforms where you can go to find it.
This is a favorite positive about social media. With only a small effort, anyone can find others that relate to what they have been through or are dealing with.
Loneliness and isolation are two of the hardest situations to fight your way out of. Social media provides many opportunities for like-minded groups to “gather.” Sometimes this creates a safe space to begin conversations and open up about things that have taken place.
Each of us responds to challenges in different ways and being able to openly share that is heathy. Social media can promote mindfulness and healing for many situations that may otherwise get stifled. It often creates a sense of community with others who understand.
Additional note: While virtual support can be positive, we often need a greater step to truly heal. Try not to rely fully on social media for next steps.
Challenge yourself to move into your community for help and support also. This may include a therapist, friend, small group meet, or in-person support group. We were made to be in relationship, and spending time with others is part of that. Using declarations for a boost is beneficial when leaning into this realm.
Final Thoughts About Positive Effects of Social Media
We have discussed some positive points of social media but also made note of areas that should be considered. This might be for protection, safety, or taking next steps for growth.
Ultimately, we make decisions daily about our in-person relationships and virtual connections. Try not to be habitual in these encounters but take time to be intentional and mindful.
Social media is a great way to supplement things in your life, but it should not be the only method of personal contact.