Social Media & Self-Esteem

Introduction:

In this presentation, we will discuss the impacts of social media and self-esteem and its different implications, whether that be positive or negative. Positively, it can help others find their communities and find their space online, where they can help people with their interests or hobbies and be connected to their peers. On the flip side, there is no reprieve from social media, like there would be from a place we frequent daily and come home such as school or work, for example. People always have technology or their phones at hand and often scroll through social media for endless hours. Sometimes, negative comments can get to people, or if we do not get enough likes on a post, etc. Social media can create extreme effects. When we get a lot of likes on a post, we get a dopamine rush. When not as many, the adverse is true. These swings might impact self-esteem as well since it is going to extremes. This will be seen in the presentation of the topics as described.

Mini Lesson 1:

Building a Healthy Online Presence

Key Points:

  • Tips for Creating a Positive Online Presence:

    1. Assess your online presence: Who are you targeting (your followers) for what…? What is your impact? 

    2. Create valuable content: What content do your followers want to see?

    3. Engage with followers: How can you engage your followers? Opening up questions, having them suggest topics they might want to see, etc.

    4. Monitor & Manage Your Online Reputation: 

    • Keeping Your Online Reputation Clean:

    • What you do not feel comfortable sharing offline should not be shared online. Can create problems for work, etc (digital footprint). 

    • Searching yourself up on social media to see what is out there about yourself

    • Creating your voice. What is your social media presence? How do you want to be seen?

    • On Instagram can change your account from public to private to protect your privacy

    1. Be authentic:

    • Be true to yourself on social media:

    • Being transparent

    • Engaging with followers

    • Getting to know your audience

    • Brand


    Building a Healthy Online Presence:

    Keep it clean, keep it positive. Be entirely sure of what you’re posting, before you post it. Future employers may look at your social media before hiring you

    Think before you post. Use the 24-hour rule. Allow yourself 24 hours before posting content you might think is questionable:

    • Content that appears questionable can leave a bad impression and damage your reputation.

    Keep it “classy.” Your social media is a reflection of you. It can create personal and professional opportunities. Promoting what you want people to think of you/what you want to be known for.

    Never give out personal information: 

    • Where you live, where you work, your address, phone number, etc.

    • Never completely trust privacy settings: People could take screenshots