AT THE 1ST WAILING DAUGHTERS AND SONS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE HELD IN TEMA GHANA ON TH 29TH OF AUGUST 2019
10 Ways To Use Social Media
For Good
Before then what is social media
Social media are computer-mediated technologies
that facilitate the creation and sharing of information, ideas, career
interests and other forms of expression via virtual
communities and networks.
Features of Social Media
•Social
media are interactive Web 2.0 Internet-based applications.
•User-generated
content, such as text posts or comments, digital photos or videos,
and data generated through all online interactions, is the lifeblood of social
media.
•Users
create service-specific profiles for the website or app that are
designed and maintained by the social media organization.
•Social
media facilitate the development of online social networks by
connecting a user's profile with those of other individuals or groups.
Social Media Applications
•Facebook
•Twitter,
•Instagram
•Whatsapp
•Google
plus
•Pinterest
The conventional method of obtaining information and gaining knowledge has experienced a 360 turn. Social media has multiple uses and one cannot negate the value it brings to education. It can effectively be used to educate young people. While imparting education on a one-on-one basis is considered ideal, social media can do the same much more effectively and to a broader audience all at once. The presence of different minded people helps in creating a safe space where diverse opinions and views are accepted. Students can take classes from e-learning websites and discuss their learning’s or doubts using various social media channels. Sites such as YouTube help individuals to express their opinions on various subjects. In the process, they can create an individual identity while attracting millions of views to climb to the top of search engines. That is why there is a special role of social media in education.
2. Spreading Awareness Social media enables people to spread awareness and bring justice when it is being denied. It acts as a voice of reason in society. Various social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter provide platforms to share experiences. These platforms are being used by the youth to create a voice for the voiceless. On Facebook, for example, groups like “Disability is not inability” are being brought up to make society more conscious of how they treat the disabled. Spreading information to the masses to bring awareness is one of the most important uses of social media. Most of these groups are started by young people who see the essence of treating everyone equally and social media as the perfect place to spread that message. This shows the empathy level of generation. social media has become one of the biggest platforms ever in history where change can take place through popular demand.
3. Enhances Creativity Social media acts as a platform where students can showcase, cultivate and hone their multiple unique skills through posting photos, blogs, individual articles, videos, audio clips, etc. It offers opportunities for students. Sharing graphics and content is constant in social media. This has given a chance for young people to be creative and innovative. Social media sites mostly depend on active participation and sharing of different content. This makes it so that young people think outside the box and come up with new content when sharing information. Putting your unique ideas and creatives online and finding acceptance and encouragement is inspiring. Not only does this boost your confidence but lets you believe in yourself. The content they share is unique, but new applications and websites spring up every day with new ways to express creativity and individuality. Facilities such as crowdfunding also help to raise funds for creative ideas and services 4. Boosts Skills Social media has given teens the ability to hone different skills that are important in the real world. Young people are increasingly able to interact more freely and easily in different social environments online, much as they will later on in life, in the workplace. This is a result of the endless exposure they get from being online and talking to different people, some of whom are their potential employers. Young people acquire skills that enable them to evaluate and interpret different situations contextually and prepare themselves mentally for situations later on. Social media helps to meet various people and build a network. Social media helps to market as well as reach out to potential employers and employees. Sites like YouTube have thousands of educational videos that give anyone the ability to sharpen and develop their various skills and talents, for example, playing the guitar, swimming and even cooking.
5. Making Friends Social media gives teens skills to become more confident and independent. Engaging in social networking sites can be a new adventure for young people. It is like exploring a new place where different skills are needed. Young people learn to mold their character to be more confident and independent in order to be heard or have a positive online presence. Social media offers you the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world, who may share the same interests, thoughts, and views as you. It is hard making friends and maintaining friendships past a certain age. A busy schedule and lack of motivation take over. Social media extinguishes this barrier and helps you build a worldwide network of friends.
6. Blogging Blogs
are a way to express your thoughts, emotions, feelings, etc it also acts as a good release. While reading blogs is a great way to learn new things and stay updated, it’s also a good idea to become a blogger. Blogs help you to create your unique style and cultivate a new identity. Blogging is an upcoming concept in the world of marketing. Whether your child writes about life, poetry, math or fashion, the practice will definitely improve writing skills as well as enhance self-confidence. Through posting of blogs on social media, your child will also learn how to promote himself/herself online – a valuable skill for future entrepreneurs. Reading blogs or watching vlogs of aspirational/ influential people inspires many. Through blogs, students can connect with their role models.
7. Collaborative Learning
Why should learning stop at schools or in an academic environment? Your child can use social media to access as well as share educational content. By setting up Facebook groups with classmates, children can discuss studies, share informative videos, content and help each other out when stuck on a problem or concept. Communication has become so effortlessly easy that distance or time is no longer a barrier. They can critique and comment on each other’s assignments and work together to understand and solve problems. Encouraging group study and participation and also gives a boost to teamwork. Children can also use the platform to reach out to their teachers and ask for any help if needed. This ensures that learning is a multi-way, continuous process.
8. Self-Confidence & Public Speaking
Sharing thoughts, ideology, views, and opinions through tweets, blogs, statuses, etc encourage your child to express himself or herself. Often children are shy to voice their opinions in front of others. But they may not feel that way on social media. Meeting like- minded people with mutual mindsets help students to express themselves better. This will not only increase their confidence levels but also improve their public speaking skills as they learn how to express themselves freely and confidently.
9. Stress Buster
Sharing experiences, thoughts, humor, ideas and creativity in a safe space with peers and friends or even strangers acts as a stress buster. Social media also helps to bust stress when children are bogged down with too much work. When children get back to studies, they are more energized and motivated and can concentrate better on their work. Problems arise when the negative aspects present on social media are not analyzed or monitored. However, it is crucial for parents to discipline their children regarding how much time they get to spend on such sites. Teaching children to be self- aware when it comes to activities on social media is an important step in making them responsible individuals.
10. Social Media
Marketing Social media acts as a platform where ideas products and new age concepts can be shared with the world. One can easily publicize and promote their services on Social media. Marketing skills help students give life to their ideas and concepts. Having marketing pages on social media is a must for each and every company. So students who are well versed with how to market online will have an added skill when it comes to employment opportunities as well. This will help them gain exposure and increase their overall knowledge and potential. Most companies have a specific dedicated team working to increase the social media presence of their brand. Digital marketing is also emerging as a strong career option.
Now that we have gone through the “wrongs,” let's list some “rights!”
1. Do share who you are. Many people say not to take so many selfies.
But I'm all for them! If you want to share when you're feeling/looking great, or even if you're having a bad day, then post! Do you have a dozen cute pictures of your kids? Post those too! In my opinion, you can't overshare the parts of your life that make you the person you are.
2. Do encourage.
Social media is great for sharing encouraging quotes, blog posts, or life lessons. If your post is inspiring, there's no need to hesitate.
3. Do use to celebrate your wins
. You deserve bragging rights every now and then! Share a job promotion, an obstacle you've overcome, or the simple fact that you survived a hard day. Let everyone celebrate with you!
4. Do use it to unify.
You can absolutely share your beliefs, but do it in a unifying way. Don't single people out. Fill in the gaps; don't dig a deeper divide. People can disagree with what you post and still not feel misunderstood or offended when they read it. There's a difference. Share gracefully.
5. Do use it for networking.
There are so many great people to meet through social media. No other time has the world been so connected. Networking is a great asset to social media, but be sure to reach out in a genuine and unselfish way. Collaborate — don't use others!
6. Do stay-in-touch with loved ones.
Reach out to old friends or family who live out of state. That's the beauty of having complete access to everyone. Send a quick hello or comment on the posts they share. Take advantage of the way social media brings everyone together. In the end, trust your gut. If you feel icky about posting, take a second to think if you are acting on an emotional whim. Come back later to the post after some thought. You may change your mind for the best. Erase the posts that divide, push an agenda, or start an argument. And start posting positive content that encourages and connects.
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