How to Create a Healthier Social Media Experience
As social media continues to evolve, it continues to be an integral part of everyday life for most users. But the relationship between users and social media platforms isn’t always an easy one as many have mentioned how toxic social media could be - getting overwhelmed with too many posts, toxic positivity, negative news and resorting to doomscrolling.
This begs the question of how exactly can users and marketers have a better relationship with social media? Through this article, we will discuss creators, brands, and tips that can help make the online world an easier place to be in, for work and for life.
Good influence(rs)
It is almost unavoidable to come across popular influencers online. Their content comprises a majority of Instagram posts, reels, and TikTok videos. With almost any content available online, some influencers have become known for their positive and non-toxic content.
Locally, content creators like Ayn Bernos and Jim Baccaro have used their social media feeds to promote positivity online. For Ayn, she doesn’t shy away from body positivity or from getting real about confidence. While Jim regularly posts about healthy parenting for his two sons.
One of the most popular influencers, Emma Chamberlain, has made her brand to be about her being herself. She has elevated her work by pivoting to podcasts wherein she discusses almost any topic and gives advice to her audience.
Similarly, Timm Chiusano has developed a following around how he documents his appreciation of everyday life. Through his TikToks, he gives his audience a glimpse of how he balances the demands of his work and the joys of his life.
Thoughtful and insightful brands
Some brands now are slowly pivoting to having a more authentic image, having their consumers’ feelings and sentiments in mind. It’s interesting to see a shift with how brands are choosing to identify themselves.
Patagonia is one brand that has always been transparent about its mission in helping the environment and its passion for adventure. They’ve extended this through their social media accounts by featuring real people that have the same advocacies as the clothing brand champions.
The card game We’re Not Really Strangers has also become popular because they’ve always been about creating real and meaningful conversations and connections with others. They’ve promoted this card game even further by consistently engaging their target audience through their social media posts that ask real questions that are relevant and authentic.
Creating a safe space online
Recognizing that social media isn’t always toxic takes certain steps for this to be fully realized. Taking necessary steps such as being more mindful of who you’re following, and unfollowing the accounts that don’t serve you well, will make your algorithm re-focus on the content in your feed.
It’s also important to follow creators and brands that give you meaning or positively impact your everyday life. This step also changes the algorithm in your feed to show you more of what is aligned with your interests.
Another way to have a healthier relationship with social media is by tracking usage. This can help in productivity and lessen the chances of overusing social media or doomscrolling. This can also lead you to take a healthy break from it once in a while to avoid possible burnout online.
As marketers, we should also be part of this shift in social media behaviors. Since most users engage more with campaigns and content that they can connect to or that is more authentic, it’s important for marketers to be intentional with the content that they put out. By doing this, marketers can establish a better brand image for their business and build better connections with audiences.
Social media platforms may come and go but that won’t change the general framework that makes it what it is. After all, social media was made to make deeper connections and interactions with people around the world.
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