HITTING PAUSE ON THE NEGATIVE CONNOTATIONS OF SOCIAL MEDIA

 

Social media is a swear word in some households.

 

The negative connotations surrounding social media is nothing new, but recently it seems like that negativity has ramped up as the state of the world rapidly declines. Last week I told my boss I was starting a new class called Social Media for Public Good and there was a pause. “Is it good?” he asked. It was an innocent and simple question that many of us have pondered as we doomscroll on TikTok or Instagram. Can social media be used for good? Does it have the ability to create real change? Or is it filled with empty shells of humans looking for distraction or attention? Honestly, I think social media has its clear setbacks, but it would be disingenuous and downright wrong to say it can’t be used for good. In fact, I would argue that social media is our most powerful tool in creating change today.

 

NETWORKS LEAD TO MOVEMENTS

Many moons ago the only way to connect with other humans was to meet them in person. Now, it’s as simple as logging into Facebook. Creating networks is easy if you have access to social media. Malcolm Gladwell, a Canadian journalist, argues that these networks create weak ties that are good for false friendships and exchanges, but bad for activism. I would argue that networks can lead to strong ties and emotional connections that can result in real change. Entire movements have been created from the power of a simple hashtag. Metoo, Black Lives Matter, Movember, and the ALS ice bucket challenge are just a few movements that started on social media and continue to move mountains through donations and public awareness. I think critics have underestimated the power of word of mouth and collective activism.

 

CONNECTIONS ARE KEY

Outside of entire movements and donations, social media has the power to bring people together who share injustices. As I was navigating the possibility of a MS diagnosis, I found strength and courage through social media. For people with disabilities, social media can feel like a lifeline as it connects us with people who are struggling the same way. It brings awareness to how certain groups are treated and calls for action to create change. Social media is the reason I was able to fight for more tests and discover my disability in the first place.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA IS A TOOL

I think it’s obvious to say there are bad things happening on social media. Usually, I am the first to call it out. I think the spread of misinformation has led to our downfall of deep and critical thinking. But the good that comes from social media shouldn’t be ignored or discounted because of that. Allow me to be the most toxic optimist you encounter today by ending with this: social media can be a tool used for good. Real change can come from social media. The world might feel heavy, but there are people online who want to and will change that.