Now more than ever we’re blurring the lines between real life and the things we see online. The influence of it all has caused some people to question the affect it has on mental health, politics, and the unrealistic expectations that we see of other people. But social media isn’t going anywhere and it’s influence will only grow; the difference is that the pros do outweigh the cons upon close inspection. Social Media, whether you love or hate it, you simply can’t afford to live without it anymore.
Social Media and the Professional World
One job search and it’s obvious that social media plays a key role in the professional world. In recent applications, they’ve included portions where you can input your Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or LinkedIn. LinkedIn is typically the most prominent resource employers look at because it is the best place to showcase your professional skills and attributes, as well as being used to network in your job field. When I think of LinkedIn, I think of it as a more in-depth version of your resume; so make sure it reflects you and your personal brand.
Another benefit to social media in the the field of work or passions, is that you can create a page for it all. Let’s say you have found yourself in the career of Marketing, it only takes a few simple steps to create a business page that allows you to teach and showcase your knowledge on the topic. Either this will garner the attention of an employer, or you can create a brand of your own for businesses to independently hire, or you can use this knowledge to create classes for others to learn what you have to offer. Not only can it be used as a resource to show off professional skills in the search of a job, but I have seen numerous businesses use social media to employ talent. In the post-Covid world, brands adapted and emerged with even more remote opportunities; ones for those who never thought they could work for certain brands due to location. We now have the chance to work for anyone, from anywhere.
With the explosion of TikTok in the last three years, it only made sense for businesses to utilize the application when showcasing a brands authentic voice and what it represents. TikTok itself has caused a shift of massive proportions within the professional world, so as business begins to grow, will you be willing to also?
Social Media and Me
If you had to label me, you would label me as Gen Z. Gen Z is the generation known as digital natives; meaning that we grew up with the technology, internet, and social media that we see so advanced today. In fourth grade, I remember taking computer classes. At the age of 12 I begged my mom to let me have a MySpace, and shortly after I NEEDED a Facebook page. Growing up I had no idea how these things would shape me, at the time I just wanted to be “cool”. Today, I see it’s affects clearly.
Personally, I use a lot of my social media to help me dream of my future. From Pinterest manifestation boards, Facebook groups of others with similar passions, or a curated TikTok algorithm that shows me the most inspirational women, men and non-binary people. Not only do I feel inspired on a daily basis, but I also have more access to knowledge on topics that I’ve never had before. The thought of it all would have seemed so impossible to my fourth grade self, just newly learning how to type. But where we are now is not even close to how far it will continue to go, and what seems impossible today, will be our future tomorrow.
I know as of recent we have all noticed a shift of toxic content, and false information that tends to bleed into everyone’s feeds. No one is immune to the world we’re in but with out the access we have, we wouldn’t have so many advocates and voices being heard. In the world of politics I hope we all saw the Olivia Julianna effect. Going head-to-head with a prominent Republican politician, as a 19 year activist, Julianna decided to use her moment of attention to take to social media and raise more than $2 million for abortion access funds. In a show of incredible power, a teen from a small town in Texas showed just how mighty the little-person can be. There are so many more moments, from GoFundme pages being shared to millions in hopes of raising money for those in need, strangers celebrating the wins of others, and those showing support of small businessesocial media is filled with so much good, when we take the time to notice it. My hopes for the future and being to eager to adapt to new technology, is that I can use it in the right ways. I hope to inspire, grow, and to never stop learning what this world has to offer me.
“Don’t use social media to impress people; use it to impact people.”
Dave Willis, Author and Speaker
Conclusion
Although it may be unhealthy that I can’t seem to go a few hours without my phone, I also willingly choose not to. In this moment now, I could open my Instagram and see my messages with my grandmother, a notification from snapchat because my Dad sent me, yet another Dad joke meme(I know we all know the ones). With my social media, I can keep up with my friends I recently made in Maine and my family back in Wisconsin. I stay up-to-date on the job market, and I can stay informed on the social climate of the world and where I can use my voice to create good. Although there’s a lot of negative to social media, I also see it’s benefits. I hope you can too.
Eagle Social 
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