With social media, each of our worlds open to an abundance of news, media and much more. We can gather and learn information at a much faster rate and can also share with the world our thoughts and opinions. Forms of social media can help us to grow, find out what we love, and express ourselves like no other generation could have before.

We can use social media as a way to build others up and to explore our own interests and loves. However, seeing other’s post can also have negative affects on our thought process. We can feel left out when we see group pictures we were not in, we can feel unaccomplished when we see other’s rising to the top and we could feel anxious at the fact we are not like others we see.

This is natural.

I have heard many negative things said about the use of social media for our generation. I have heard my peers express that, at times, they feel it can be a barrier for them and can later lead to poor communication and meaningful interactions. It can limit the face-to-face interactions you have when others post what they are doing, where they have been, etc. This then leads to others feeling lonely and less comfortable speaking to others. It can also cause each of us to feel self-conscious or gain insecurities from seeing other’s profiles.

Now, let’s talk about the positives.

Social media is a wonderful tool; it is all about how we view it and choose to use it in our lives. Social media gives us access to more people in places around the world. Our networking opportunities become infinite. Once we gear our mindsets to view social media as a tool for change we can begin to make change.

The oath I give to myself is to stop comparing myself to other’s and shaming myself in the process. I want to lift others up without putting myself down. I want to not look at social media and wish I were “this” or “that.” I will instead give others genuine compliments, not shame myself, and learn to love myself for what I can offer. Social media can easily spiral into a harsh and judgmental place. We do not want others to feel uncomfortable; rather we should make all feel welcomes and embraced for their creations and ideas.

I will also make more opportunity from social media. I will think ask, “What can I do to inspire others and make the world a better place?” I will view social media platforms as ways to embrace change and create movements for the better. I want my peers and myself to challenge us to empower others through social media. We can do this by engaging and reaching out to others with similar interests, passions and values. The social media world is filled with endless opportunities, people and networking. How we chose to view and take advantage of these benefits is up to us.

I make these oaths enhance the way I view social media, others and myself around me. I challenge you to also take a step back and think how you are using social media to better yourself, the ones you love and the world. We each have the power to make a difference and social media is just the beginning in a wonderful journey towards positive relations, self-empowerment and community involvement.