Social Media: Good or Bad?

How many of you use social media on a daily basis? Do you use it to keep current with what’s going on around the world or in your friends’ and families’ lives? Or are you one of the few holdouts left that refuses to join the online generation?

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have become a way of life for many of us. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself whether that’s good or bad?

Too often, we hear about the negative side to social media — the president of the United States tweeting out his displeasure, or people using the platforms to bully others. How about the exasperation many people express about the generation that lives in the world of social media? Try having a discussion with your kids without their phone in their hand!

But is it really all that bad? If so, why do we continue to submit ourselves to the negative influences of social media?

Perhaps it’s not social media that is the problem. Maybe it is the people that are using it. How many of us are guilty of following those negative stories or posts? How many of us are guilty of sharing them as well?

Maybe if we turned off, blocked, or rejected negative stories and posts, we could clean up social media. Do you think Donald Trump would consider changing his message if he did not have almost 50 million people following him on Twitter?

Social media is an important part of the way we live today. We use it to connect with our family and friends and to stay in touch with the world around us. And yes, we even use it to entertain ourselves. It is a tool and, like any tool, it must be used properly. If we don’t take the time to manage what we are doing with it, what we are allowing our kids to do with it and be exposed to, it is like using any other tool incorrectly. People can get hurt.

Take time to review how you and those around you use social media. Keep in mind that what you are posting or sharing online can be viewed by co-workers, employers, or potential employers. Posting negative or inflammatory statements about your workplace could result in serious discipline or even termination. Having a disagreement with co-workers? Sending or posting inappropriate comments can result in discipline for harassment or bullying.  Remember that once you post something online, even in a private setting, it is out there or can get out for the world to see.

So share the positive stories and comments and reject the negative ones. Block or delete those people who are only spreading negativity. It may not stop the use of social media for spreading negativity, but it can certainly have an impact on your outlook.

I read a Sportsnet story the other day (surprise – I found it on Twitter) about Mitch Marner, a Toronto Maple Leafs right winger who reached out to the family of a young hockey player who was murdered in Ontario recently. The family was trying to raise money, both to raise awareness of domestic violence and to create opportunities for kids in sports. Mitch tweeted out his support for this cause and asked all his followers to help spread the word. He was amazed by the response and how he was able to make a difference.

This is just one story about the power of social media being used for good. Take the time to share these types of positive stories. You might be amazed by the impact it has on your own life in the process.