A few guidelines for navigating social media

  • Virtually nothing is as bad as social media makes it seem.
  • There is almost always more context for everything shared on social media. Read the full article, watch the full video, and check other sources.
  • If you find yourself feeling outraged, someone is making money.
  • If you find yourself feeling afraid, someone is making money.
  • If a public figure tweets something so provocative that you feel compelled to reply, someone is making money.
  • Before submitting your reply, ask yourself, “Am I contributing to the good in the world?”
  • Before scrolling any further, ask yourself, “Am I enriching myself in a meaningful way?”
  • Before even opening your social media app, ask yourself, “Am I a better person by knowing the news right now, rather than next week?”
  • Remember that there are foreign governments who benefit from sowing division among us, and yes, they are on social media.
  • Remember that “influencers” on social media are acting out of self-interest, and will go to great lengths to drive engagement.
  • If you feel compelled to show solidarity with a cause, take an action that contributes to the cause, instead of adding an emoji to your bio.
  • Most people are much nicer in real life than on social media.