Over the past couple of decades, the development of social media has changed how humans communicate in a revolutionary way. This fledgling technology consists of a variety of different websites and applications that allow users to share content to a wide variety of virtual communities almost instantaneously. In 2020, researchers estimated that social media has already attracted 3.6 billion worldwide users, a number that is projected to grow to 4.4 billion in 2025. This unprecedented rate of growth has led some to question the impact of social media on our lives. How does social media affect us? What advantages could it provide for our society?

One of the most noticeable benefits of social media is the ability to quickly spread ideas. Websites like Twitter and Facebook let users upload one message and quickly share it with a potential audience of billions of people. This allows well-intentioned people who normally wouldn’t have a voice to effortlessly mobilize scores of like-minded people into action. A great demonstration of this power in action is the Ice Bucket Challenge, a trend where participants would pour a bucket of icy water onto themselves to promote awareness for ALS. Through this event, the ALS Association was able to raise a whopping 115 million dollars in donations, which allowed them to make substantial breakthroughs in research, grow their organization, and provide more care for people living with the disease. While it’s also true that this technology can be used to amplify hateful and false narratives in the same way, it’s not likely to happen. Just like real societies, online communities have guidelines designed to stop destructive behavior. For example, Twitter threatens permanent suspension for actions like hateful conduct, impersonation, and violent threats. These rules help social media sites be productive and supportive places for anyone involved.

Social media can also improve mental and social health. A study done at Harvard concluded that routine social media usage can lead to social well-being, positive mental health, and the participants’ self-rated health. It is important to note, however, that users are only able to reap these benefits if they don’t develop an emotional connection to these websites. These online platforms also allow users to connect with other like-minded people, which allows people who would normally never meet to gather in unity and support one another. A great example of this is Reddit, a website where people can meet and discuss a common topic of interest in a variety of forums called subreddits. There are subreddits for different video games, countries, TV shows, sports, and anything else one might be interested in.

Unfortunately, these communities sometimes stray from their well-meaning intentions and become filled with hate and negativity. However, it’s important to understand that this negativity doesn’t come from social media itself, but from the few bad apples that use it. We should still have faith that the overwhelming majority of internet users will still work towards using these sites for their intended purpose: to create unity and provide support for others. This spirit of goodwill can be found throughout the subreddit r/unemployed, a place where people who face tough times can find support, advice, and financial assistance. One user testified in The Seattle Times that “With the subreddit, I find that my fellow Americans are in this struggle with me…It is comfort, it’s a bond, it’s hope, my beacon of light in this long dark night.”

Social media is a rapidly evolving technology, and there are new changes every day. Although this breakneck pace of development can seem scary and unpredictable, there is no need to be afraid. Social media is just a tool, and so far humanity has been using it in the right way. Whether it’s related to mental health, creating and keeping connections, or even global welfare, we have used this new online community to make great changes. Hopefully, we can become more confident about using social media in our lives and have faith in its potential to create a brighter tomorrow.