Social media is an undeniable presence in everyone’s lives nowadays; some kind of virtual connection touches even those who don’t post every moment in their daily routines. And social media is not only omnipresent, but it also has a bad reputation for how it negatively influences kids, oppressed minorities, or people going through hard times in particular. Nevertheless, not everything is lost; we still have a lot of control over how we use technology and whether we decide to use social media for our own benefit or not.Â
In this episode, we will focus on the benefits of using social media. We will list and explore five aspects that can be very beneficial not only for us but also for the community through the proper use of virtual connections. I invite you to discover how social media can strengthen relationships with friends and relatives, help us acquire better habits, assist introverts, reduce stigmas over diseases, leverage the students’ experiences, and more.Â
Tune in to Episode 95 of Technology for Mindfulness to view social media from a different perspective and perhaps give it a second chance.Â
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- Smartphones and advanced communication technology are not bad inherently; we choose what to do with them (1:25)
- Social media used as a means to connect with people we don’t see very often or to seek support during challenging times (3:42)Â
- Social media and the creation of healthy and productive habits (6:07)
- How introverts can reduce their social anxiety in social media (10:18)
- Public figures showing up as mere humans and helping diminish the stigma over certain conditions, sexual orientation, and traumas (12:19)
- How students can use social media to make their learning process smooth and most effective (16:27)
Resources:
- Pew Research Center – Demographics of Key Social Networking PlatformsÂ
- Pew Research Center – Teens’ Social Media Habits and Experiences
- Book: Nicholas A. Christakis, James H. Fowler – Connected: The Surprising Power of Our Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives — How Your Friends’ Friends’ Friends Affect Everything You Feel, Think, and Do
- USA Today – Interview with James Fowler: Fee-fi-foe-friend: Smell the blood of a kindred spirit?
- The Stigma Project – Facebook
- National School Board Association – Grunwald Associates LLC: CREATING & CONNECTING: Research and Guidelines on Online Social — and Educational — Networking
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