8 Awesome Ways To Help The Community And Make The Internet A Happy & Helpful Space!

In recent times, especially in the COVID era, there has been an unprecedented rise of everything “Online”. With schools & offices shifting online, the rise in the importance of the internet is multifold. Yet, it’s important to remember to be kind online. Here’s a list of ways in which you can ensure you’re making the internet a safe, helpful, and happy space for everyone.

1. Be Kind Online, Don’t Spread Hate 

There are times when we disagree with something that has been posted, these are the times when we should especially remember to disagree *respectfully. Think before you write something. Ensure that it won’t negatively affect the receiver, or hurt them. Leaving hateful comments or DMs on someone’s feed can be a hard thing to get over, and can be demotivating & saddening. If you think someone has made a mistake, point that out with respect. Remember, hateful comments or DMs are just like bullying.

2. Share Positive & Uplifting News/Posts

Picture Credits: fullspiritquotes

Social media is a platform where people share their happy stories, happy memories, funny memes, and cute cat videos. It’s a platform where we can connect with our friends, families & followers, and express ourselves creatively. Let’s pledge to make social media a place that makes us smile, or even laugh out loud, getting inspiration from others & feeling less lonely. Sharing positive & uplifting posts, tweets, messages, comments and more, and not negative or hateful ones, can go a long way for that. Spread love!

3. Remember Everything You See Online Is Not Real

Picture Credits: fullspiritquotes

Sometimes, it is easy to feel bad about ourselves when we are bombarded with images of glamorous lives & perfect bodies. People are envious of ‘ideal’ lifestyles and relationships that don’t even exist. As you scroll through a sea of filtered images and rosy pictures, keep in mind that not all of it is true, and perhaps, real. We all have something going on behind the scenes. It is important to love yourself for who you are and not compare, for behind the ‘perfect bodies’ that we see on Instagram are often personal trainers, specially-planned diets, makeup artists, fashion designers, and Photoshop! So, find joy in what you have and celebrate others smashing their goals.

4. Reach Out 

A nice and easy way to keep the space around you happy, helpful and supportive can be a simple message of gratitude for someone’s work, or a nice & generous compliment, writing nice comments on your favourite blog, leaving a 5-star review or giving a shoutout to a local business. Your positivity can give a boost to someone who might be having a hard time. Sending a simple message of support to someone who might need is an easy way for you to be kind online. Engage in meaningful conversations and support each other online!

5. Be Careful About What You Share Online

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Before you share anything, ask yourself “is it true?”, “is it helpful?” and “is it kind?”. Sharing misinformation and false facts helps no one. Share only facts which you know are true, 100%.
For example, mindlessly sharing false leads on your feed regarding COVID-19 resources can waste the time of those who need them urgently, if you aren’t sure, don’t share. Try not to share panic inducing news & images without a trigger warning. Verify the sources. Be aware, be informed. Correctly. Also try to refrain from sending unwanted & unsolicited messages.

6. Step Away From Toxic Behaviour

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Block/delete/report any negative comments in your space, instead of getting caught up in a back and forth argument between people online. If you find someones’ comments/posts having a negative impact on your mental health, just delete or report them! If you’ve received a hateful comment, don’t acknowledge it, because you will only give it room to grow and fester. Step away from toxic arguments and people to protect your mental well being.

7. Learn New Goals & Habits 

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Social media has given us easy access and freedom to follow up on so many activities that we have wanted to learn forever! Pick up the paintbrush, or the camera, or that book, or the spatula, as you use the gift of social media to learn new things and pick up new habits. Spend time on the activities you like, follow the pages/people from where you might learn/ get inspired. An expression for the best of our creativity, social media is the perfect place to learn.

8. Remember To Take A Break!

Sometimes, being on social media can become overwhelming. Don’t forget to take healthy breaks and spend time in the real world, building the real you. Turn off your notifs, set time limits and prioritize your own self-care with other activities you enjoy. In short, remember to keep down your phone!

Here’s your guide for making social media a happier place, stay safe, and do your bit!