Standing up for Social.

Social media has come in for a lot of criticism in recent years. Escalating tensions in the real world have often been reflected in the online one as well, with an increase in hate speech culminating in some of the world’s biggest companies boycotting paid advertising in 2020.

Multiple studies have also linked excessive social media usage with increased depression, anxiety, and loneliness, as well as promoting negative feels of inadequacy and FOMO. It’s designed to keep people coming back for more and more, with a 2018 report from Silicon Valley insiders disclosing that platforms are “deliberately designed to be addictive.” Social media, ultimately, is a business.

It doesn’t have to be this way, though: social media has stepped up during the pandemic to be the only outlet to engage with other people with similar interests due to the lack of physical contact and a pre-match pint at the pub before walking down Carrow Road, for example.

This is especially evident when looking at how social media has helped to curb loneliness during a time where it has been impossible to meet friends and family. YoungMinds spoke to a 17-year-old called Georgie who described using the lockdown to “step outside her comfort zone” to livestream on Twitch and engage in discussions about Formula 1 on Twitter.

“There are upsides and downsides to social media, but it really made me feel less lonely during a time that I was probably at my lowest,” said Georgie in the article.

This is a sentiment echoed by Norfolk and Waveney Mind’s Head of Service – External Affairs, Rachel Walsh: “As social creatures, the pandemic has left a gap in our lives. We naturally need a level of interaction with others and to be connected. Having positive connections with other people is good for our mental health and wellbeing.”

“Social media has been an important tool for keeping us connected with people whilst social distancing. Being socially connected to other people can provide us with a sense of belonging and the feeling of being valued. It can help ease stress, anxiety, depression and prevent loneliness.

“It has also helped to build more meaningful relationships, offering a strong social network of people that are there to listen and offer support that can help us move forward from negative experiences.”

There have still been instances when the ugly side of social media does rear its head - and it does happen all too often. Jack Aitken, Formula 2 driver for Campos Racing, tweeted in response to his girlfriend receiving abuse about her appearance: “The internet is one of our only ways to be ‘social’ these days. It is extremely valuable, so think before you speak. They’re never just words.”

Social media enables people to speak out in a way that has never really been possible before. It can help fight injustices and grow revolutions, with the #BlackLivesMatter movement one that had been driven by social media before taking to the streets. Social media can be a force for good.

Charities have used social media to great effect over the past year, as with lockdown the ability to fundraise in public was immediately shut down. The top 50 charities on Virgin Money Giving saw offline income collapse by 93% in the month following lockdown. This has also prompted the public to invest more in fundraising themselves, with an additional £800m being donated to charity during the first national lockdown, according to the Charities Aid Foundation. Obviously, the pinnacle of this was the country rallying around the late Captain Sir Tom Moore, completing 100 laps of his garden in a bid to raise £1,000 for the NHS. He ended up raising more than £32m.

“Social media allows us to reach larger audiences, in real time and in a cost-effective way,” said Rachel Walsh. Our social media pages are effectively a space to tell our story, a space where people can gain an insight into not only what we do and the support we provide, but also what we are actively doing in our local communities.”

“It enables us to engage with our supporters, drive awareness, increase our visibility and promote our fundraising initiatives, whilst making hiring easier and also allowing our audience to donate with a simple click of a button on Facebook and Instagram.”

So, what happens when social media does go awry, and how can you take steps to ensure that you are getting enjoyment out of the medium, as opposed to falling victim to doom-scrolling and a feeling of helplessness?

“It’s important to know when to take a break,” says Rachel. “If you find that being on social media is making you feel busier and more stressed, step away for an hour or two. If you find this difficult, try moving away from your device to another room or setting an alarm to time yourself.”

You can also mute people and certain words on Twitter to prevent any unwanted tweets appearing in your feed (for example, you could mute ‘Love Island’…) which can help with content that is potentially a trigger for some people.

Cleaning out your social media once in a while is a great way to really dial back on the need to sit on social media all day, with only the essentials and friends taking up the prime real estate of your timeline. It can also help to follow inspirational or good news only accounts, such as @goodnews_movement on Instagram.

Whilst social media has become a key platform to consume the latest news, with 45% of people declaring it their primary source, it’s crucial to ensure that what you’re reading is the truth.

“Media coverage on the pandemic is hard to avoid and whilst it’s good to keep yourself informed; it can sometimes lead to feelings of anxiety about the pandemic. If you want to keep up with the news, try checking in just once or twice a day rather than looking for updates all the time.

“It’s equally important to ensure that the news you are reading via social media comes from a reliable news source. Social media is awash with fake news which can lead us to worry about something that may not be true.”

Video calling has become a popular way to keep in touch with family and friends, with social distancing preventing family meet-ups – but it’s important to remember that it’s “ok to say no.”

“You may be feeling the pressure to join every call that is happening as you feel you can’t say no or have an excuse when you can’t leave your houses as much at the moment. If you’re feeling tired or have had a bad day, it’s important to practice self-care and take some time for yourself.”

Norfolk and Waveney Mind is the mental health charity that believes no one should have to face a mental health problem alone, working to reduce the stigma associated with mental health, support people in their recovery and champion better services for all. Mind believe that with the right support and resources, everybody can create a life that feels meaningful irrespective of the presence of symptoms.

Reeve Social Media have made a donation to Norfolk and Waveney Mind on publication of this article and you can do the same on their website or via Virgin Money Giving: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/donation-web/charity?charityId=1008733&stop_mobi=yes