Embracing Change: My Journey with Social Media

Introduction:

Hey friends! As we enter 2024, the continued influence of social media is undeniable. These platforms have emerged daily, from Snapchat streaks to Instagram reels and TikTok trends. In this piece, I aim to share my journey of navigating the ever-evolving realm of social media, capturing its highs, lows, and everything in between.

Like many young adults, I've experienced the full spectrum of emotions accompanying using platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. Entering university, I struggled to discover my authentic self amidst a feed of edited posts and carefully curated images showing success. It was all too easy to allow comparison, constantly measuring myself against the seemingly flawless lives of my peers. Reflecting on these years, I've recognized the importance of carefully judging our online interactions. Instead of allowing negativity to enter my feed, I regret not unfollowing toxic influences and directing my focus toward the positive aspects of social media. Finding positive platforms to follow can hold potential for building connections, igniting inspiration, and fostering personal growth if we navigate our accounts carefully and with intention.

Detox and Discovery:

My first year of university was challenging, as I suspect it is for many. Transitioning from the familiarity of home to the unfamiliarity of a new city was disorienting. Without a support system by my side, I often felt adrift and isolated. In those moments of vulnerability, scrolling through social media became both a comfort and a source of discontent. Seeing the seemingly perfect lives of my peers portrayed on my screen intensified my feelings of self-doubt. Yet, as I began to reengage with social media after a hiatus, I consciously decided to unfollow those accounts that no longer served my growth. By eliminating the distractions of comparison, I allowed myself the space to rediscover who I was and explore new interests.

Amidst this period of solitude, I found solace in activities such as reading and diving back into the world of literature with such enthusiasm that I occasionally skipped lectures to finish a book (only once or maybe twice..). Additionally, I rediscovered the joy of music and visual arts, even enrolling in two art history courses. The Art Gallery of Ontario, with its free admission for adults under 25, became a place for reflection and inspiration. These moments of introspection, away from mindlessly scrolling, have facilitated my personal growth. However, recognizing the realities of the modern world, I eventually had to rejoin social media with a newfound sense of intention and self-awareness.

Reconnection and Reinvention:

After a challenging first semester, I completed my first year of university online from the comfort of home. However, being back in familiar surroundings only worsened my feelings of being stuck. I missed the excitement of being on campus, surrounded by friends off pursuing their adventures. It felt like I was stuck in a rut, unsure of where to turn next. Despite anticipating my upcoming journey in Disney after finishing the second semester, I couldn't feel genuine excitement because I felt disconnected.

Upon rejoining social media, I felt the weight of societal pressures and the need to keep up with my peers, but no genuine joy or enthusiasm drove me to rejoin. It seemed like a never-ending competition to see who could portray the most successful life. However, everything changed after my 19th birthday. Moving to Florida with my emotional support animal, Dug, marked a turning point. What started as a joke among friends about creating a Disney-themed account soon blossomed into something much more significant. Despite my previous insecurities and tendency to use social media as a distraction, I immersed myself in a vibrant community of like-minded individuals at Disney.

Inspired by friends who used their accounts as digital journals, I captured and preserved memories through daily posts, documenting everything from clothing hauls to Target runs and even Dug's encounters with Mickey Mouse. Through these genuine moments shared online, I began reconnecting with old friends from my hometown. As I embraced authenticity on social media, something incredible happened. People laughed and cried with me as I shared the highs and lows of my journey. When Dug passed away at the end of my Disney program, my online community's support and empathy were overwhelming. It was then that I realized the true power of social media to foster genuine connections and support networks. From that moment on, I consciously tried to use my social media accounts for the better, spreading positivity and authenticity in every post.

Finding Purpose and Happiness:

After my transformative experience at Disney over the summer, I found a renewed sense of purpose in posting on social media. I consciously decided to unfollow accounts that didn't contribute to my personal growth or align with my aspirations. Posting photos and sharing moments became more than just filling it; it became a source of joy and self-expression. When Moose entered my life, the @DisneyDugandEm Instagram account was revived, and together, Moose and I embarked on adventures around the city. Through our journey, I've raised awareness about the importance of emotional support animals and navigating life in my twenties living alone. By curating my feed to focus on accounts that inspire growth and positivity, I've come to appreciate the power of social media in fostering connections with old friends and new peers. However, this shift towards authenticity and positivity only occurred when I surrounded myself with uplifting content. As I continue to evolve on my social media journey, I aspire to create a blog highlighting my favourite accounts that resonate with my values and goals, hoping they also resonate with yours!

Embracing Growth and Education:

Since I decided to work on my social media presence, why not explore LinkedIn?

I joined in January 2023 and have grown my network to 600 connections, which exceeded my goal for the year. This growth was facilitated through various ways, including my Instagram, attending business courses, and gaining experience with Disney while transitioning into the Creative Industries program at university. While LinkedIn may suit some individuals better, plenty of other apps can also broaden your interests and professional connections. Over the past year, I've explored new interests in business, marketing, film, fashion, and authenticity in the corporate world. I've curated a feed that aligns with my goals and aspirations by shifting my focus from mindless scrolling to deliberate consumption of inspiring content.

I've also found inspiration from peers my age who share relatable and relevant content. Witnessing their growth and achievements has motivated me to strive for similar success. As a result, I've actively sought out and followed accounts that provide valuable insights and guidance. Daily quotes have inspired me, and I've noticed that my explore page has naturally evolved to cater to my interests. So, why not use this opportunity to spread our wings and prioritize our well-being for a change? After all, we hold the password to our social media accounts. Let's embrace them as reflections of our authentic selves and curate them to align with our aspirations and values.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, my journey with social media has been transformative, marked by highs of reconnection and lows of comparison. Through these experiences, I've learned valuable lessons in self-discovery and authenticity. By curating a positive feed and unfollowing toxic influences, I've witnessed the true potential of social media in fostering genuine connections and support networks. Embracing platforms like LinkedIn has broadened my interests and professional network, enhancing my online experience. As I continue to evolve, I'm reminded of the importance of self-care and intentional content consumption. We can create a positive online environment by prioritizing uplifting content aligned with our values. I urge others to embark on their journey with social media, embracing choice and authenticity. Let's use these platforms for connection, inspiration, and personal growth, meaningfully enriching our lives. I look forward to seeing you on there!