Spreading Joy on Social Media🎀

As someone who grew up with the internet, social media has been a huge part of my life. I’m 20 years old, and like most people my age, I spend hours scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter every day. It’s my source of entertainment, news, and sometimes even comfort. But if I’m being honest, there’s a darker side to it too. 

There have been days when I’ve logged off feeling drained, insecure, and like I wasn’t measuring up to everyone else. I’d see posts of influencers with picture-perfect lives, friends on vacation, or someone’s latest success, and I’d start questioning everything about myself. I think we’ve all been there, comparing our behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel. It’s easy to get sucked into the negativity, whether it’s comparing yourself to others, reading toxic comments, or getting caught up in endless debates. 

But one day, I asked myself: Why does social media have to be a space that brings me down? Why can’t it be something that lifts me up instead? That’s when I realized something important: I have the power to choose how I use social media. I could either let it be a source of negativity, or I could turn it into something that spreads joy, both for myself and others. 

So, I started experimenting with how I use my platforms, and it changed my relationship with social media in ways I didn’t expect. Instead of mindlessly scrolling, I became more intentional about what I posted, shared, and interacted with. I began by following accounts that made me feel inspired, motivated, or just plain happy. There’s a huge difference between an Instagram feed filled with unrealistic beauty standards and one filled with positivity, self-love, and authenticity. 

But I didn’t stop there. I wanted to be a part of spreading that positivity, too. So, I made a conscious effort to share content that would make others feel good. Whether it was a funny meme, an uplifting quote, or a story about something that made me smile, I started focusing on joy. And what surprised me most was how much better it made me feel too. It’s true what they say: the more positivity you put out into the world, the more you attract in return. 

One of the simplest things I started doing was leaving kind comments on posts. It sounds small, but you’d be amazed at the ripple effect of telling someone you appreciate them or that they look amazing, especially when you know the internet can be such a harsh place. I’ve been on the receiving end of both negative and positive comments, and I can tell you, one kind message can completely change someone’s day. So why not be the person who spreads that kind of energy? 

It’s easy to forget that behind every screen is a real person with real emotions. They might be going through something tough that no one else knows about. Maybe they’re putting on a brave face, or maybe they just need a little bit of encouragement. That’s why I’ve started treating my online interactions the same way I would in real life. If I wouldn’t say something to someone’s face, I don’t type it. And if I can spread a little light, I try to do it. 

Positivity online doesn’t have to be grand or performative. It can be as simple as sharing a post that made you laugh or sending a quick message to check in on a friend. It’s about creating a space where people feel safe, seen, and valued. For me, it’s also been about being authentic. Social media can feel like a highlight reel, but I’ve found that people connect more when we show our real, unfiltered selves. Sharing the highs and the lows, the good moments and the struggles—it all adds to a sense of community. 

And yes, there are still moments when social media can be overwhelming. I still have days where I feel the urge to compare myself or get caught up in negativity. But I’ve learned to take breaks when I need to. Logging off for a bit isn’t a bad thing—it’s a way to reset and come back to it with a healthier mindset. 

At the end of the day, social media is what we make of it. We have the power to choose the kind of energy we put into the digital space. We can be the reason someone smiles today, the reason someone feels less alone, or the reason someone believes in the good that still exists in the world. It may seem small, but the impact can be huge. 

So, next time you log in, think about how you can spread a little joy. Whether it’s a comment, a post, or just sharing something uplifting, you never know whose day you might brighten. In a world that can sometimes feel heavy, we all have the ability to make the internet—and life—just a little bit lighter. Let’s be intentional about spreading positivity in the digital age. After all, it’s a reflection of the world we want to live in.