5 Ways To Love Social Media

I always laugh to myself whenever I hear someone talk about how much they hate social media. I have heard many nasty remarks from a variety of individuals about how toxic social media is to my generation. YAWN. I'm bored with this generalization. Let's explore how to use social media to your advantage, no matter what age you are.

First you should decide why you are using social media. It doesn't have to be a sophisticated answer either. That's what's so great about it - you can use it for anything from growing your business to stalking your favorite celebrities to judging your old friends. Versatility is a beautiful thing.

Here are five ways to make the most out of social media: 

Choose wisely. 

The platforms you choose to use are crucial to the experience you have online. For example, I use Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr and Snapchat every single day. I don't spend an equal amount of time on each site but I do love to browse for inspiration and insight.

I post to Instagram daily because I am able to connect better with my followers and I like to look back at what I've posted in the same way I would an old photo album. Twitter, on the other hand, is where my inner monologue lives and where I learn about breaking news and celebrity happenings.

Only use the platforms that you find engaging and don't treat social media like a chore, because it's certainly not.

Befriend the unfriend button. 

My rule of thumb is this: if I see a post or a comment from somebody I am friends with and it makes me mad or it annoys me in any way shape or form I immediately unfriend that person. No questions asked. It may sound harsh but this is my secret to enjoying social media.

You don't have time to worry about your racist ex-bestfriend's boyfriend and neither do I. Rid them from your timeline once and for all. Moreover, don't accept a friend/follow request unless you genuinely like the person. This is crucial for Facebook users because as soon as you accept a request you are welcoming that person to your newsfeed. Think it through.

Post every day.

If you want to grow your following on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest or Tumblr you should make an effort to post every day. I can't reiterate how important this is for those looking to establish a social media presence. 

Don't overthink what you post BUT don't post something you will regret either. You don't gain followers by hash-tagging thirty different words, you gain followers by being consistent. Start monitoring what you post and when you post and you will definitely see your following increase.

Be nice.

The rumors are true - it costs $0.00 to be nice! Crazy, right? It's so disgusting how many people use social media to release pent-up negativity. Go to the gym or take up boxing or see a freaking therapist if you have that much hate built up inside. 

Social media is a great way to make friends. Start commenting on posts you find intriguing and try to follow a variety of accounts that post about things you like.

Never feel bad.

About using social media, that is. I'm SoOOOoooOOOo beyond over accusatory people making remarks about how much time people spend on their phones "these days." Social media is no longer something that can be dismissed as a vice of the millennials.

It is a phenomenon that changes how the world communicates each day. People are paid a handsome salary to manage social media for a brand or business. I can't fathom living in a world without social media. It has far more pros than cons and you should never be apologetic for scrolling through Twitter or posting to Instagram.