Hidden Benefits of Social Media

Like it or not, social media is here to stay. And it actually isn’t all bad. You’ve heard the negatives, but here are a few of the positives brought on by social media:

4. Makes Us Aware Of Issues Around The Globe

Image via Flickr
Not only can social media connect us to each other, but it can (and does) connect us to global social issues.

We have the ability to watch events as they are happening, from a live feed of the Ferguson trial, to live tweeting and reporting of the Charlie Hebdo attacks in France. We even have the power to change the conversation as it is happening, like #BringBackOurGirls or #AskObama. Social media allows us to go beyond passively digesting the news as it is fed to us, and actually take meaningful action from wherever we’re at.

5. Speaks To Those Who Need It Most

image via Flickr
Facebook has been working on a new tool for suicide prevention. So if you see a post that looks like your friend is going through a rough patch and struggling with dark thoughts, you now have helpful resources at your disposal. You can report the post to be viewed by Facebook, and they will send a notification simply giving some options for the person who posted it, encouraging them that they are cared for and that there is someone available for them to talk to if they want. The cool thing about this tool is that it is all anonymous – which might just help that person to open up and get counseling.

You may hear a lot about kids these days, but they are using the resources that social media has to offer to make a meaningful change for good in the world.

So what’s your story? How has social media benefited your relationships?

Subscribe to Faith HUB