A case for being more active on social media.

One thing about me is that I’m an avid ‘liker.’ I find joy in reacting to posts, hearting your Instagram stories, and yes, sometimes even sliding into DMs. Why? Because I cherish the connection that social media can foster under the right conditions.

However, there’s something I’ve noticed that honestly bothers me. Many of us observe from the sidelines—what’s often referred to as ‘lurking’. Imagine how much more fun your online interactions would be if everyone were all a little more engaged with their scrolling. This doesn’t mean that lurking is wrong, but just a thought on how our experiences online could evolve into something more positive if we actively participated more. Because at its heart, isn’t social media about creating and strengthening human connections?

No, it’s about making money. BUT! That does not mean both cannot be achieved.

Lurking can feel pretty lonely. We see all the chatter and activity, but we’re not joining in. It’s like being at a party but not talking to anyone. And it’s not just you or me who feel this way. Others might also feel like no one wants to talk to them because everyone else is lurking, too.

A 2019 survey at the University of Texas in Dallas affirmed this conclusion.

“Active use is suspected to be associated with improved subjective well-being, whereas passive browsing is suspected to be particularly harmful,” said researcher Kaitlyn Burnell.

The study found that lurking quickly led to FOMO (fear of missing out) and low self-esteem.

Now, think about what happens when we start engaging. We like posts, leave comments, respond to stories – it’s a very low effort way to show folks that you see them and you care. This can make friendships stronger and even help us make new ones. If you play your cards right, you might even end up hanging out in person! (Crazy thought, right?)

Who are we kidding? We all love getting notifications. Each like, share, or comment we receive gives us a little thrill. That’s not my opinion, it’s science. Our brains love these small moments of connection and release dopamine. They make us feel part of the group, which is what being social is all about.

So, the choice between lurking and engaging isn’t just about us, it’s also about the type of social media experience we want to create. We have the chance to make it a lot more social.

When we think about the practical impact of active social media engagement, I can’t help but talk about LinkedIn. Here’s the truth: LinkedIn is not a joke anymore. I’ve found it super helpful for my career. Making connections there and staying in touch with people has led to great opportunities. It’s proof that being active on social media really does make a difference.

But the good stuff isn’t only happening online. I’ve made plans with friends through Instagram DMs. I’ve found out about cool local events on Facebook. Being active on social media can lead to fun times in real life, too.

What’s great about social media is that it’s not about replacing real-life friendships with online ones. It’s about using online spaces to make our real-life friendships even better. So, when we’re positively engaged on social media, we’re not just improving our online experience. We’re also making our real-life experiences better. That’s a win-win, right?

I brought more receipts. In 2017, the University of California, Irvine, published evidence showing that teenagers’ online interactions with their friends are often just as meaningful as they are in-person.

“Many contacts between adolescents are mediated through technology and can provide additional opportunities for friends to spend time together, share thoughts and display affection than in offline spaces alone,” said researcher Stephanie Reich.

Of course, it’s important to note that while engaging more can be good, we need to keep our interactions positive. Trolls and hate are powerful online, and they can ruin our whole day if we let them. It’s crucial to distinguish between genuine, friendly interaction and those who aim to provoke or upset. Don’t let the trolls run the show. Use social media as a platform for positivity and connection, and you’ll reap the benefits.

When it comes down to it, being active on social media isn’t just about pressing buttons; it’s about making connections. Lurking can lead to loneliness, but when we take the time to engage positively, we open the door to real conversations and authentic interactions.

Remember, social media isn’t just a digital world—it’s a tool to use keep up with friends, find new opportunities, and even discover something fun to do where you live. So, let’s switch things up. Try interacting a little more. You might be surprised by how much better it can make your day—and someone else’s, too.