Online lives are commonly busier, now, than offline lives. With the global reach of social media, everyone can know everyone else’s business, just by checking Facebook or Instagram, amongst the other popular social media platforms. While a lot of people will tell you that social media has too much of a presence in our lives, there are a lot of great things about it that you should consider as well. Here are the highlights for you to enjoy:
Communicating with loved ones:
While it used to take weeks or even months to hear from loved ones, social media now allows us to be in touch almost instantly. It’s great to be able to have access to those far away people. This is especially useful when teens move away from their best friends, or go away to college for the first time and need to have as much contact as possible with the “old” world.Finding support groups:
If you’re dealing with a disorder such as anxiety or depression, social media can be a great way to find support and love. While professional counseling is always a great idea for keeping yourself on track, online support groups can offer further support that is always there on your smartphone when you need a boost.Connecting with people who you wouldn’t have met offline:
The best part of social media is in meeting people around the world that you would otherwise never know about. You’ll be able to make sure that you get in touch with those different people in really unique cultures. You can learn languages, get an understanding for how the world works in other spots, and connect with people that understand you better than you’d think. It’s a great experience without a doubt.Expressing yourself:
Social media in all forms gives you a chance to express yourself. You can find a way through imagery, journal articles, song lyrics, funny videos, statuses or any kind of combination of things. This is one of the best ways to make sure you always find a positive way to enjoy social media. Post photos that you find funny, for example, and you’ll find other people posting photos in return of what they find funny. You can always make sure that social media stays a positive thing by focusing on making it positive in what you are looking at.Figuring out who you are:
Much the same, social media helps you understand who you are. You’ll find causes and organizations that you can follow that line up with your interests. You’ll be able to figure out what you like about your friends, your interests, etc. Social media can act as a way of understanding ourselves through looking at what we post online as well as the things and people that we follow. If you are a teen, this is a great way to figure out what kind of topics that you like to learn about, too.Signs that you are using social media in a positive way:
Just like there are signs that you are using social media in a negative way, there are also signs that you are using it in a positive way. Do you use social media as something to look forward to after a long day? Does it make you smile when you see posts from your friends? Do you enjoy communicating with people you met online? If you are having a stressful day, do you find expressing it to your friends online makes it better? These are all signs that social media is a positive outlet for you. It means that you’re using it in a constructive way that will make you happier and more successful in the long run. Social media can be a two edged sword, but it’s nice to know that, despite what some may tell you, there are a lot of hidden positive things about social media that make it worth our time and focus. Whether you enjoy one or two platforms with close friends or family, or a whole bunch of them with different contacts from around the world, it’s all about making it into what you want for yourself so you can benefit from the experience.Pivotal Counseling Center has therapists with a variety of specialties. We have locations in Woodstock, Illinois, and Lake in the Hills, Illinois. If you are in need of someone to help, please consider giving us a call at (815) 345-3400.
