How social media can help you be more accepting?

We very commonly hear that social Media is a boon and a bane but do we ever really measure the two sides of this coin? 

Instagram was launched in 2010, Whatsapp in 2009, Twitter in 2006, Youtube in 2005, and Facebook in 2004! 

These sites/apps were the quickest to gain popularity and by 2018 and even earlier these platforms had over a billion users and are still counting. Today, it would be almost weird if someone said they do not use one of these apps, because like the way we eat three times a day- social media has become an indispensable part of our lives. According to studies published, an average global internet user spends 2 hours and 27 mins on social media everyday. 

How does social media impact a person?

Studies show that social media has both good and bad consequences. While the internet and the ahead-of-their-time social media apps can shift the ‘information gear’ in the hands of the user, excessive and harmful information can be dangerous not just to the user but society as a whole. 

Apt use of social media however can be fun, informative and refreshing! 

How has Social Media evolved?

Over the past decade or so, the course of social media has really changed. Apart from the fact that there are new features and fun trends circulating and going viral every single day, the moral and ethical side of social media has also taken a sharp turn in the past few years. 

The perfectionist side that is often portrayed by public figures, celebrities and other influential people on social media is very rapidly being replaced by more and more people trying to share their original selves on social media. The hype around the ‘perfect’ picture for the gram is being drowned by a more aesthetic and raw perspective of the users. 

Awareness and Social Media:

Now that the world revolves around social media, it is the best marketing tool that entrepreneurs can pick and more importantly it is the best place to raise awareness about a number of things.  

You could establish your brand and talk about its story- people will hear you out. 

You could share your experiences, good and bad- people will hear you out.

You could talk about problems that you face as an individual or problems that society faces as a whole- and people will hear you out.

Moreover, apart from being a great platform to share, social media can actually start conversations around important topics. 

Let’s take skin and body acceptance for example! 

Social media has played a huge part in normalising skin and bodies of all types! Since social media platforms are used by real people across the real world, it gives everybody a little peek into the culture and lives of one another.

People are now sharing their real selves irrespective of their skin colour, size, race and gender. Although conversations around these topics are usually stigmatised and subjected to hate, more and more people are stepping out of the mainstream and being themselves, unapologetically!

The years have seen MANY many people talking about issues around body image and the need for body and skin positivity on social media. Stirring these conversations has not just opened up space for normalising all types of bodies and skin colours but has also invited opportunities! 

A constant uproar for inclusivity on social media has led brands to changing their mainstream ways and adapting a more inclusive and representative outlook.

Here are a few examples:

• After facing a lot of backlash from the public for only including size zero and white models, Victoria’s Secret started including  plus size models and people of colour in their campaigns as well. This was a long overdue step from the brand’s side and it still has a long way to go.
• Many brands have also turned towards ‘empowerment advertising’ to change their mainstream brand image. This includes including natural shoots (a lot less airbrushing) of the models, size inclusivity in their collections, etc. 
• Makeup brands increasing the colour palette for their products and inviting more people of colour to improve representation is another step towards acceptance!

These things go without saying, are the bare minimum and do not require applause from the public. However, to acknowledge this effort - the good thing that came out of this apart from  representation, is employment- which is also very very important.

• Similarly, social media has promoted gender neutral clothing and as more and more people have stepped forward to pursue their hearts via these platforms. 
• The stigma around Men’s makeup and style is being consciously stomped by men themselves and thousands who are always there to support them! 
• Members of the queer community are coming forward, opening about their journeys, sharing their issues and giving each other a stronger voice in society. Allies are also helping them by constant support and participation.People are using social media to highlight discrimation and bring into light the day-to-day discriminatory incidents that often go unnoticed. On the brighter side, LGBTQIA+ artists are also coming forward to display their art, music, skills and abilities. This is giving them more representation and opening employment opportunities as well.
• People with disabilities are also using social media platforms to share their experiences and everyday lives with the world.This helps people realise and accept that irrespective of their disability they are an integral part of our society and their issues need more attention and redress! 
• NGOs, welfare organisations, pet adoptions, fund raising, awareness campaigns etc are working in a full fledged manner and highlighting 

However, while the upside of social media is rosy, the darker side is often scary. People who are trying their best are often subjected to hate and threats. Here comes the part where platforms should tighten their assessment, redressal and grievance management and try their best to make the platforms safe and secure for people to use.