Sometimes social media can be an unwelcoming place. But, in the midst of a global pandemic, the positive side of social media can help people connect and act as a tool for good.
Social distancing, but still connected
It can be so easy to bring each other down and focus on the negative aspects of the world. Much of the time, social media provides a “veil” to do that. Recently, however, it appears to have been put to a different, more productive use that shows the positive side of social media: bringing people together in a time of fear and uncertainty.
Although they’re not physically together, social media has allowed individuals to stay connected virtually. People across the world are sharing their stories and supporting one another through this unique experience. For example, in Italy videos of people singing together on their apartment balconies went viral and allowed others to offer support.
Another positive side of social media is how companies have taken advantage of their platform to encourage and uplift others. Instagram, for example, has added a “Stay Home” featured story on their home page. This allows users to upload snippets about their time at home during quarantine and encourage others to do the same.
Facebook has also done the same, adding a “Community Help” section that allows users to both offer and request help during the outbreak. Read more about it here.
Communities have managed to stay together while apart through social media and today’s technology. Though churches, schools, places of work and more have gone online, we haven’t lost touch.
A positive side of social media focuses on the good
Not only has social media brought people together during a time where we can feel so far away, but it has also served as a tool to see the good things happening amid chaos. Countless stories of strangers buying groceries for their elderly neighbors, high school and college seniors coming together to reflect on their “lasts” together, and so many more have been shared.
Another wonderful example took place last weekend when actor John Krasinski shared a Facebook live and Youtube show called “Some Good News”. Krasinski said he wanted to focus on the positive things happening in the world instead of the negative.
Other celebrities and popular figures joined in on the fun, too, including singer Elton John. Last week, he hosted the iHeart Radio TV special “iHeart Living Room Concert for America”. Other artists in the program sang from their homes to raise money helping the coronavirus outbreak. More information about the special can be found here.
Finally, the positive side of social media is an outlet for us to give thanks even in hard times. We can truly appreciate the blessings in our lives and express gratitude to those who sacrifice so we can keep them.
So, go out and use social media to do good. Whether it’s thanking a medical professional or encouraging others during quarantine, it doesn’t go unnoticed.
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