These days, social media seems ubiquitous. From launching businesses to chasing influencer status, or simply sharing light-hearted videos, many people have at least one, if not several, social media accounts. But it’s vital to cultivate a sensible approach to using these platforms.

Social media use needn’t be detrimental, even if it can be a time sink. By learning how to use social media wisely, you can reap the benefits of engaging with it consciously.

7 Effective Tips How To Use Social Media Wisely

With roughly 59% of the global population on social media, responsible use opens doors to connecting and learning from people worldwide.

While careless social media use can negatively impact your mental health, it can also be a powerful tool for networking and knowledge acquisition.

Using social media with intention allows you to reclaim time for activities you value, rather than getting lost in endless scrolling.

So, how can you resist the allure of mindlessly browsing TikTok? Consider these 11 steps:

1. Boost Your Finances

One of the smartest ways to leverage social media is to improve your financial situation. Many personal finance gurus share their money-management wisdom on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, covering topics like credit cards, budgeting, and more.

It’s important to remember that financial influencers, while offering valuable insights, are not qualified financial advisors. Always do your own research before making financial decisions.

2. Discover Travel Inspiration

Another perk of social media use is exploring potential travel destinations. You can find a wealth of information and recommendations from travel bloggers, vloggers, and even everyday users sharing their experiences.

Planning a new trip? Social media can help you discover hidden gems you might otherwise miss. Follow local influencers in your chosen area or explore hashtags specific to the location to find new neighbourhoods, restaurants, and interesting sights.

3. Discover New Reads

Social media can also be a great tool for finding new authors and books. BookTok, a community on TikTok, is teeming with bookworms offering reviews and recommendations across various genres, from historical fiction and fantasy to young adult literature.

4. Discover Culinary Inspiration

Struggling for dinner ideas? Social media can be a treasure trove of inspiration for new dishes and cooking techniques. Explore platforms like TikTok or Instagram for fresh recipes and ideas, whether you’re looking for inventive ways to use leftover lentils or a show-stopping main course.

5. Cultivate Your Style

Social media can also be a valuable tool for honing your personal style. Fashion influencers abound, offering guidance on everything from identifying your body shape and mastering foundation application to putting together a stylish outfit from a single piece.

6. Build Your Network

Social media is a fantastic tool for networking and making connections with people, both online and offline. Looking to join a reading group, a painting club, or a writing workshop?

Chances are they have a social media presence where they’ll announce upcoming events and activities.

Always prioritise safety when meeting new people

Naturally, a healthy dose of caution is essential whenever you meet someone you’ve connected with online. Aim to meet in a public space, ideally as part of a group. Additionally, let someone know where you’re going and who you’re meeting.

7. Foster Meaningful Connections

Social media can be a great way to connect and interact with others. Don’t just post pictures blindly – take the time to read captions and comments. Respond to posts that resonate with you, or offer your own thoughtful insights.

Make a Positive Impact

Strive for positive and enriching interactions online. If you have a brand presence on social media, use it to spark conversations with your audience. Encourage questions and be sure to respond to comments and queries promptly.

8. Find Your Next Job

Social media can be a powerful tool for your job hunt. You can use it to showcase your skills and experience by sharing your CV online, letting your network know you’re seeking new opportunities, and expressing your personality.

Social media can also be a useful platform for finding specific job openings. In addition to Twitter, LinkedIn is a great place to explore job postings.

9. Give Back to the Community

Social media can be a force for good, allowing you to raise awareness about important global issues and support charitable causes. 

How Social Media Can Benefit Society

• Raising Awareness and Supporting Good Causes:  Social media allows you to champion causes you care about. Share petitions, promote fundraising campaigns, and connect with volunteers through social media platforms. You can also use it to spread awareness about global issues and support charitable organisations. For instance, you could use social media to publicise local food drives or fundraising efforts.
• Business Promotion: If you’re a business owner, social media is a fantastic tool for promotion.  Maintaining a social media presence allows you to connect with your customers, inform them about new products or events, and offer them a behind-the-scenes glimpse of your company. Additionally, you can leverage social media for market research on new products and to gather feedback and suggestions from your customers.

7 Effective Tips to Manage Your Time on Social Media 

If you find yourself endlessly scrolling and obsessing over social media, rather than using it purposefully, then it’s time to take control of your time. Here are seven steps to help you maximise your time and minimise the time suck:

1. Curb the Urge to Scroll

Social media can be incredibly captivating, and it’s easy to lose track of time. How many times have you found yourself on TikTok only to realise two hours have flown by? We’ve all been there!

Stop aimlessly scrolling!

Instead, cultivate a more mindful approach to your social media use. Choose your online time with intention and purpose.

Have a Goal in Mind

Instead of just logging on for the sake of it,  go through your social media accounts with a specific goal. This could be anything from catching up with a friend to checking a particular account or looking up a specific hashtag.

The key is to have a reason for using social media, rather than just mindlessly browsing.

2. Unfollow negativity-oriented accounts

Another way to be mindful on social media is to unfollow accounts that leave you feeling down or negative. Remember, you’re not obliged to follow anyone! You have complete control over who you follow and how active you are on social media.

Focus on positive and uplifting content

Instead, think about what you want to get out of social media. Choose to follow accounts that inspire you, motivate you, or make you laugh.

Curate your feed for inspiration!

Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your own creative projects, looking for interior design ideas to spruce up your home, or simply enjoy watching adorable newborn cows and ducks on farming accounts, follow accounts that uplift and motivate you.

4. Switch off from notification overload!

Ever tried focusing on something with your phone buzzing away beside you? Constant notifications can be a real productivity killer. Consider disabling social media notifications on your phone to regain control of your attention.

Don’t let notifications rule your life!

The constant barrage of social media notifications can be incredibly distracting, especially when you’re trying to focus on a task.  Instead of social media alerts, consider enabling notifications only for important events like phone calls or essential messages from your bank.

5. Schedule screen-free time

Sensible social media use also involves taking breaks. To avoid the temptation of morning scrolling, try leaving your phone in another room overnight. Similarly, switch off your phone during meals to be fully present with your family.

Social Media Detox Days

For a complete digital detox, consider scheduling social media-free days. Delete social media apps from your phone and tablet, and completely log out of them on your computer.

This is your chance to disconnect and reconnect with the real world. Go for a walk in nature, play games with friends, visit a museum, or lose yourself in a good book.

6. Impose Time Limits

Being mindful of your screen time is another key aspect of using social media wisely. On average, people spend over two hours a day on social media platforms.

Make a conscious decision about when to use social media, and avoid mindless browsing whenever you have a spare moment or feel bored.

Schedule Social Media Time

This could involve setting aside specific times during your workday to check Facebook, or limiting your use of TikTok or Twitter to breakfast breaks. The goal is to plan your social media use and be intentional about picking up your phone.

Use These Tips on Social Media Wisely!

Understanding the potential benefits of social media is important. It can be a treasure trove of information, from book recommendations to delicious recipes and even fostering new relationships. However, it can also be a major time sink.

Social media can be a powerful tool for connecting with people and expanding your knowledge on a variety of subjects, from personal finance to niche hobbies. Make the most of it by using these tips to be savvy about your social media use.