TECH TSUNAMI

Social media, why do we have it? I came from a generation where phones were plugged into walls. Cell phones were stereotyped by the brick phone that Zack Morris had on Saved by the Bell. A good cell phone plan was 250 minutes a month. Almost immediately, the tech tsunami overtook the world. From phones plugged into walls to mini computers in our hands and everything in between and yet, social media is still used irresponsibly by many.

We were given the gift of technology and were never taught how to use it. As a result, this led to an influx of depression, anxiety and unhealthy behaviour. Why? Social media platforms were and still are being used as a way to compare ourselves to others. We scroll through our feeds and think that everybody is happier than we are, they have better things than we do, they are better looking than we are. Makes for a bad time when our whole lives are now revolving around social media and keeping up with the Jones'.

I have news for you. When someone is fighting with their partner, they aren't going to pull out the camera and say cheese in the midst of a yelling match. If someone is having a bad hair day or is having a boring day at home, they don't usually tend to pull out the camera.

So, if we aren't supposed to compare ourselves, what is the point to social media? The point is to stay connected. It can be such a powerful tool when used appropriately. If used for business, your target audience is now exponential in comparison to your audience without it. Bottom line, social media is a way for people to hear you. The question is, how do you want to be heard? How do you want to be remembered? We aren't always thinking of how it can affect our future. Once it's up on the internet, it's out there and there's no turning back. So what are you posting? How are we supposed to use the internet effectively and responsibly?

We have been gifted a computer with all of the answers you could possibly want in your hands. Think of a question. Any question. Google it. YouTube it. The answer is there. So now that we have the information, the next step is to learn effectively. What have you always wanted to do? Is there a business you want to start? A project you'd like to do? The steps are right there in front of you. In your hands. Figure it out. All you have to do, is look it up.

What do you want to do with that project when you are done or with that business you started? Want to spread the word? Bingo. Spreading the word. Social media is your key. Self-promotion. With every profile we create, we are creating a marketing campaign. You make posts, take pictures and make videos. This is essentially your personalized online billboard and your resume.

Social media gives us the ability to self-promote by giving us the tools to create a marketing campaign about who we are and what we are about. This is our way of leaving behind our legacy. The legacy we decide to create is up to us.

It allows you to also connect with people all over the world. Network in various ways. It was able to create borders and remove ceilings by allowing the world to connect. Think about that. The possibilities are endless but, we have to want to explore them.

By knowing this information, what do you choose to do? You want to look at people's pictures and think about why they have it better than you or do you want a chance to create your very own marketing campaign so you can leave a legacy behind and a story of who you were and what you were about. This is your chance. Make a choice. Your freedom is in your hands, literally. All you gotta do is own it.

~Stephie B~