How many times have you stared at your phone constantly refreshing to see how many likes your Instagram post got or how many new followers a tweet earned you? I'll be the first to admit that I get way too caught up in how "popular" I appear on social media. In our generation, followers are a status symbol. We measure our worth by the number that appears under our Twitter bio. I'm here to tell you, and to remind myself in the process, that the amount of followers you have is irrelevant. Take it from actress Shailene Woodley, who inspires us all by saying, "The amount of followers you have doesn't matter. Hitler had 4 million, Jesus had 12."
The important thing to consider when dealing with social media and real life is your mission. What kind of ideas do you want to share with the world and how do you want to portray them? We all have slipped up on social media more than once, just take a look at your Timehop if you need a reminder. It's easy to post something offensive when you are hiding behind a screen. It's easy to bash presidential candidates or the cashier at Walmart when it's not a personal face-to-face interaction. Think before you speak and before you type.
Whether you like it or not, the things you post online reflect the kind of person you are. Not to mention, the whole world can see what you post, including your grandma and potential employers. Make a good impression both on and off the screen.
The word that is left out of social media lingo is "leader." However, you are a leader to those who follow you. Leaders hold the power in how their words will affect their followers and the rest of the world. The most important component of social media is not the followers, but the leader and the influence they are sharing through social media. One post can be shared a million times, so be sure that what you post is admirable. Take a break from focusing on how many followers you have, and focus on the impact you are making as a social media leader instead.
Social media reflects our society. The impact of social media completely depends on what the public posts and shares. It can only do as much good or as much bad as the users allow it. Therefore, I encourage you to be a wise leader on your accounts. Use your social media voice wisely and well. For the good of us all, make sure you are acting as an honorable and valuable contribution to our society.
