Social media isn't bad: you're just using it wrong | Eva Amin | TEDxCherryCreekWomen

Summary

The speaker humorously highlights the paradox of finding an anti-social media post on social media itself, then transitions into a thoughtful discussion on the impact of social media on our perceptions. They advocate for a mindful approach to social media consumption, suggesting four groups to follow for a positive experience: positive acquaintances, goal-aligned individuals, inspirations, and uplifting entertainers. The speaker shares personal success stories from engaging with social media positively, emphasizing the opportunities it can bring when used wisely.

Takeaways

• 😄 The irony of finding a post on social media that criticizes social media, suggesting to save it for later, which is counterintuitive.
• 🤔 The importance of teaching teens how to use social media safely and beneficially, rather than just focusing on the dangers.
• 📚 The realization that social media can have a significant impact on our perception of the world, similar to how children's books teach lessons.
• 🌐 The role of social media as a primary source of learning about the world beyond our immediate surroundings, especially when travel isn't possible.
• 🌈 The idea that the problem with social media isn't the platform itself, but how individuals choose to use it.
• 👥 The recommendation to follow four groups of people on social media: positive friends and family, goal-aligned individuals, inspirations, and positive entertainers.
• 🚀 The personal story of discovering BETA Camp through Instagram and successfully creating a startup, illustrating how social media can offer opportunities.
• 💡 The suggestion that social media platforms curate content based on user interactions and followed accounts, emphasizing the importance of mindful following.
• 📈 The call to action for being conscious of the content we consume and to embrace positivity while avoiding negativity.
• 🛑 A challenge to the common narrative that social media is entirely negative, advocating for education on its proper use instead.
• 📖 The final quote emphasizing that our identity and perspective are shaped by the people we know and the content we engage with.

Q & A

What is the ironic situation described by the speaker when they found a post on Instagram about social media being bad?

The irony is that the speaker found a post on Instagram criticizing social media, which is itself a form of social media, and the post even asked to be saved for later, encouraging further engagement with the platform.

Why does the speaker believe that social media is often perceived as a negative influence?

The speaker believes social media is seen as negative because it is often associated with dangers like catfishing and kidnapping, and there is a lack of education on how to use it safely and beneficially.

What comparison does the speaker make between children's books and social media content?

The speaker compares children's books to social media content by stating that both are means of teaching lessons and shaping perceptions, with social media being a modern extension of the lessons traditionally found in children's literature.

According to the speaker, what is the author of 'The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down' suggesting about the nature of the world?

The author suggests that the world is neither inherently good nor bad; it simply exists, and our perception of it is shaped by our individual experiences.

How does the speaker argue that our social media feeds influence our view of the world?

The speaker argues that if our social media feeds are filled with drama, toxicity, and negative content, we are likely to view the world negatively. Conversely, if our feeds are positive and aligned with our goals, we will view the world more positively.

What is the speaker's personal experience with social media, and how do they describe it?

The speaker describes their personal experience with social media as predominantly positive, with the only scary aspect being their cringe-worthy archived middle school posts. They emphasize that their social media is a positive and uplifting place.

What are the four groups of people the speaker suggests we should follow on social media?

The four groups are: 1) Friends, family, and positive acquaintances; 2) People who align with your goals; 3) People who inspire you; and 4) Entertainers who provide positive entertainment.

How did the speaker's social media usage align with their goal of creating a business, and what opportunities did it bring them?

The speaker followed people who had started their own businesses and provided financial or investing advice. This alignment led to an opportunity to participate in BETA Camp, where they created a revenue-generating startup, and later a fellowship offering additional classes.

What is the speaker's advice on how to make social media a more positive and beneficial tool in our lives?

The speaker advises being mindful of the content we consume, welcoming positivity, blocking negativity, and educating others on the dangers while encouraging positive use of social media.

What is the modified quote the speaker uses to summarize their talk, and what does it imply about the influence of social media?

The modified quote is: 'Nothing of me is original. I’m a combined effort of everyone I’ve ever known, and the content I’ve surrounded myself with.' It implies that our identities and perspectives are shaped by the people we know and the content we engage with on social media.