Social Media Can Boost Positivity

Commentary by Khloe Jones. Photo courtesy of Vocal Media.

Social media has influenced how we interact with others and perceive ourselves. It maintains our contact with friends and acquaintances, and informs us about global events, making it way easier to communicate without being together. We can become members of a group or a community, and can easily help give a voice to good things or things that need improvement in the world. To me, it is a fantastic resource for anyone who uses it correctly.

Social media provides several ways to make people feel better and support one another. People get opportunities to talk about mental wellness and tips to stay positive on lots of online platforms. Giving kind messages and thoughtful comments to people on social media and just being thoughtful is very empowering for others and makes them feel good. In 2020, there was a Mental Health Foundation Survey and it showed that 63% of adults reported that their mental health was improved by kindness shown to them. The same survey also showed that 63% of people reported that their mental health was improved by being kind to others. Nonetheless, the effects of social media depend on how people use it, and being nice and respectful will help. 

By following uplifting pages, sharing motivating content, and leaving positive comments, one can make social media a positive place. Sending a message or posting something can be an easy little gesture to make a difference. If more people would just help support one another online, it would make the internet a much friendlier and more helpful place. If you would like to learn more or get ideas for how to promote positivity, check out Mental Health America. 

Khloe Jones is a junior at Friendship Collegiate Academy.