10 Ways You Can Use Social Media to Make a Difference

The number of social media users has been growing consistently in the last few years. Per Statista, there were 4.89 billion registered social media users in the world in 2023. By 2027, this number is expected to reach 5.85 billion.

With more than half the world population using social media every day, it is more important than ever to ensure that its usage has a positive impact on people’s lives.

According to a 2020 study by Fazida Karim, et.al., though people find social media enjoyable, its usage can have adverse effects on their mental health. These platforms are used to share life achievements, like purchasing a new car, going on an expensive vacation, or showing off workout gains or weight loss, thus generating a fear of missing out and jealousy.

However, other studies, such as one by Akram (2018), suggest that social media can play a pivotal role in promoting and improving access to education, quality of life, healthcare, and more.

In this article, we explore how you can responsibly use social media to make a difference.

How to Use Social Media the Right Way?

While right or wrong is subjective, there are certain things you can do to make sure your social media usage is healthy.

1. Connecting With Loved Ones

Many people resort to social comparison when using social media. A study by Samra, et.al., (2022) showed how this can have adverse psychological outcomes, such as depression.

Instead of comparing yourself with others, think of social media as a platform for connections. Follow loved ones who are physically far away or difficult to reach over a phone call and rekindle old friendships. It’s going to put a smile on your face.

2. Finding Supportive Communities

You can also use social media to find new friends with similar interests. You can meet and interact with others in a safe environment that fosters a sense of community.

For example, if you’re interested in volunteering at local food banks, social media can help you find communities of similar-minded people. These groups will often share resources such as local food bank finders to help members volunteer and meet locals with shared interests.

3. Sharing Information and Spreading Awareness

Whether it is an emergency news update or pertinent social issue, social media is the best medium to spread helpful information. Hashtags like #MAGA, #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo are good examples.

You can seek support for those who need emergency attention, medical supplies, refuge from conflicts, etc. Millions of people already use their accounts to this effect.

In fact, a study by Rajshri and Malloy (2023) concluded that social media’s role in promoting health has been evolving rapidly.

4. Building and Growing Your Business

Social media offers small and new businesses an opportunity to expand their reach, even with a limited budget and resources. After all, creating a social media account is free. You have access to a potential audience of billions. Creating engaging and valuable content will surely draw in more and more followers.

Social media presence can improve your brand awareness, establish your brand voice, and help your business get recognition.

5. Sharing Inspiring Stories

According to Gupta and Sharma (2021), FOMO can negatively affect our sleep, mental health, social functioning, and productivity. However, instead of spreading FOMO and jealousy, you can try spreading love and cheer.

Try to look for content made to motivate others, make people feel confident, generate positivity, and ensure a better outlook for many.

6. Professional Growth

Social media is also a fantastic tool to connect with professionals in your field and share helpful information. Fostering professional relationships on platforms like LinkedIn and signing up for learning experiences on MasterClass and Coursera can lead to more opportunities in your career.

A fine example of this is the collaborations between content creators on platforms like Instagram that help with cross-promotions and facilitate growth.

7. Learning and Developing Skills

No matter your age, you can always use social media to learn essential life skills. From one-pot recipes and homemade dog treats to building an investment portfolio, the sky’s the limit when it comes to learning new skills on social media.

8. Supporting Noble Causes

From advertising charities to encouraging donations, social media can prove immensely helpful in supporting noble causes. You can urge and inspire your social circle to lend their help in a simple, quick, and transparent manner. Most social media platforms let you embed donation links in your posts or stories, making the process easy as pie.

9. Collecting and Offering Feedback

Whether you’re running a business, learning a craft, or simply looking for inspiration, you can easily share some details of your project and ask for constructive comments about what you are pursuing.

You’re likely to get honest feedback if you are part of an earnest community in your niche. You can also provide your input to help other people.

10. Seeking and Offering Social Support

Social media can be a safe space for people to share their experiences and seek the help they need. Many groups presently offer intervention and support for loss, grief, anxiety, loneliness, and depression.

As a social media user, you can also seek help from your network of followers and offer assistance to others. When you build a safe community of caring individuals, you will be able to encourage others more genuinely.

Choose to be a Responsible Social Media User

Using social media to create a healthier environment isn’t difficult. All it takes is the willingness to do so. As long as your heart is in the right place, you can make a difference using social media. Good luck!