I am a big believer in communication. I am also a big believer in the various forms of communication. Such examples include writing, email or hosting a conference. All of these are forms of sharing ideas. It’s simple, when you share ideas, you communicate.

Unfortunately, I am here to tell you that nothing ever succeeds without setbacks. Fortunately, I am also here to inform you of simple ways to make this conflict better. Let’s reflect: it is the 21st century. What is the greatest form of communication above all others? Let’s face it: social media.

A few weeks ago, I was browsing tedTalks. I watched Wael Ghonim’s “Let’s design social media that drives real change”. At the sight of the title, a little bell rang off in my head. What is driving self-confidence down the drain? Where has body image showed up frequently? Where are people expected to be perfect? Yes, you guessed it. Instagram, facebook, snapchat, whatever…you get the point.

According to Common Sense Media, by the age of 6, kids have learned about dieting. The saddest part to this statement, is that many may have tried it. Also, between 1999 to 2006, children ,ages 12 and under, hospitalized for eating disorders have spiked 112 percent. During this time, social media has also reached its peak. What is its impact on children’s self esteem?

Its negative. I think it’s fair to say that most kids, teenagers and adults in the United States have access to internet. Many young children have access to social media as well. What are they seeing? They are seeing underweight models walking up and down the catwalks. They are seeing thigh gaps and bikini bridges and taking “Am I Pretty?” quizzes. They are posting pictures and asking questions like “do I look good?” They are seeing ripped football players drinking soda and they are seeing pictures of their favorite actors smoking.
Currently, there are positive effects of social media. But we could create an even more positive impact on the world using the social media. Here’s how.

Tweet about good causes. Due to its popularity, fundraisers and other organizations of its sort are a useful center of conversation. You will gradually spread the word about a particular cause that will benefit not only yourself, but most likely drive a positive impact towards someone else’s life. Your posts will imbue change in a number of people without hurting them.

Avoid spreading rumors. In Ghonim’s tedTalk, he says that spreading rumors should be avoided at all costs. One of my art teachers once told me a story. Rumors are like the feathers of a pillow: once you release them into the city, you can never fully recover the collection. This incompetence to recollect these feathers is what leaves many children with drooping confidence levels.

Remember that social media is global. During hangouts, my friend always brings her phone. One thing she always tells me when she texts is that she is never the same person she is in real life. I’ve never figured out whether this is positive or negative. Regardless of how we post, we should remember that there is some else on the other sides of the phone. We need to be more aware of our behavior on social media and the web. If you would not say something to someone in real life, don’t post it on social media.

When commenting, be aware of what you are saying. If any of you have read my previous post about Lizzie Velasquez and her experience being titled “The World’s Ugliest Woman” and her fight to choose happiness when Youtube comments read, “Just shoot me from her ugliness,” or “she’s permanently blinding me!” then you’ll have prior knowledge. When you comment, use your head. When you ask a question, also use your head. I see no reason in questioning something about yourself that you would not question about your friend. When you are answering someone’s question, be aware that there is someone else on the other side of the screen. Your comments could permanently ruin their self-esteem.

Be happy with your accomplishments, but keep modesty in your vocabulary. Stating your accomplishments may be a vital part to the encouragement and development of our society. For example, let’s say you won the violin judged competition in your region. By posting about your experience and your accolade, you will be encouraging others to try harder for next year’s competition. However, when you constantly post about your win half and year later, happiness turns into bragging. We may end up daunting those trying to follow our paths.

Note: Some of these tips are gathered from Ghonim’s tedTalk, others are my own thoughts for social change.