Hi again! Since my first post, I have been reflecting on the ever-evolving role of digital media in shaping how we connect, communicate, and create change. Working with social media – especially Instagram – I see daily how these platforms are used. They’re great to share your highlights, memes, or the latest trends, but I often wonder, is that all they can be?
It’s no secret that most of what we post online is surface level. We scroll, we like, and then we move on. But occasionally, I catch glimpses of something more: posts or campaigns that challenge us to think differently, inspire action, or even spark movements. And it begs the question: Are we underutilizing a far more potent tool than we’re giving credit for? Are we wasting an opportunity to create something meaningful?
But what I find more interesting is that social media has this duality – it is a place of quick moments, where you posted your breakfast, or post something funny. But then it also holds the capacity to amplify voices, connects strangers with shared causes, and does mobilization in a way we never could imagine ten years ago. The tension between the trivial and the transformative is so intriguing for me.
In the posts ahead, I’ll explore how we can bridge that gap from shallow engagement to meaningful impact: Why is it that certain online movements actually inspire action, while others fade into the digital void? What is the role of storytelling in bringing these communities together? And more importantly, what compels an individual from a mere ‘like’ to donations, volunteering, or other forms of real-world advocacy?
For me, these are not just academic questions; they are personal. Working within social media puts me front-row center to how people use these platforms. Sometimes, it’s inspiring; at other times, it’s as if we use such strong tools for – well, nothing. That thought has driven me to see how we can shift the narrative using social media – not just to entertain, but to have some long-lasting impact.
Before I dive into the stories and ideas that I want to share, I’d love to hear from you. Have you ever scrolled through your feeds and seen something that stopped you, made you think, or even take action? What was different about it? Let’s start a conversation about how we can reclaim digital spaces as platforms for connection and change.