Social media grew in popularity because it bridged gaps and allowed for nearly any conceivable tribe to find one another in solidarity.

Now, we’re wrestling with divisiveness, anger, and mental illnesses all stemming from social media.

Why is this?

I propose it is because we lost sight of what made social media a success in the first place: the social part.

Instead of being social, we’re argumentative.

Instead of being social, we’re boastful or braggy.

Instead of being social, we’re self-promotional.

Instead of being social, we’re obsessed with metrics.

Instead of being social, we’re scrolling.

Instead of being social, we’re comparing.

To get the most out of social media – either as a person or a brand – we must return to what makes social media. Being social.

As an individual, to get the most out of social media: publish, engage, Like, share, comment, encourage, or support. Offer a viewpoint and contribute to the good of the conversation.

As a business or brand, to get the most out of social media: publish, engage, Like, share, comment, encourage, or support. Offer a viewpoint and contribute to the good of the conversation.

You may chuckle at the above – the point is, the playbook is the same. When we treat social media like the corner diner, the town square, or our living room, the dynamic shifts. No longer are we yelling and trying to pull others down. Instead, we create a community of support, we demonstrate active listening, and we find common ground.

We get the most out of social media when we use it to strengthen our relationships with those around us.

Go, be social.

All the best,

-Shaun