So can we make social media a healthier platform and a welcoming space to promote mental health awareness? Everybody experiences mental health issues in different ways, but social media can be a space for them to talk about our feelings, as a step to start a conversation about mental health.
Social media is an open platform with equal accessibility, which enable users to create and share content while social networking. When we discuss social media, the first thing that comes out of our mouth are usually regarding the negative aspects. Though, the light always exists on the other side of the shadow. Us adolescents, as the majority users of social media, hold great power of change, before the social media with its inescapable trap-like traits.
One thing I love the most about social media is the vulnerability within online communities. This form of vulnerability is rare to find, but when I do, they are beyond inconceivable. I sit in awe of how strong and empowering our humanity is, and such vulnerability reminds me of the beauty of resilience. "I won't let my pain turn my heart into something ugly. I will show you that surviving can be beautiful."- Christy Ann Marline
Strength is vulnerability. Through vulnerability, it allows us to heal together. Not only does it have a power to heal our own wounds, but also to validate others' experiences and bring blooming to the community as a whole. Some stories may seem intimidating and unapproachable in real life, but with our own space, social media can remind one that they are not alone, just with the tap of their thumbs.
LISA OLIVERA is a therapist and a writer “who feels so honored to witness others in their humanness and journey.” Through instagram, she promotes mental health awareness by normalizing self love and redefining what it means to be strong in our society. She hopes to create a “space of acceptance and compassion for the wholeness of humanity” by sharing what’s truly on her heart.
RUPI KAUR, aka “the face of modern poetry,” created a new genre of poetry: instapoetry. She began releasing short poems to her followers lines that were raw yet gentle and tackled powerful topics, such as; trauma, abuse, loss, love and healing. She shares her collection of poetry, illustration, quotes and prose pieces, each masterfully weaving her journey of self discovery through her pains. Unlike traditional poetry, Kaur uses Instagram to create a sense of community in life’s inevitable pain, and builds a sense of relief by providing validation that pin is not a unique nor shameful experience but something which is extremely relatable. “You do not just wake up and become a butterfly-growth is a process.”
RIANNE MEIJER is an Amsterdam based lifestyle model and does a great job in defeating unrealistic beauty standards with a humorous touch. She started a trend of posting her beautifully worked photoshoots followed with raw behind the scenes photos. Simply by sharing these raw moments, she invites her followers into seeing that the collection of best moments we see on instagram isn’t everything.
“Being a human is a complex ride of emotions; and whether you’re having a good or a bad day, sometimes just accepting your feelings is hard.” This form of shared vulnerability took a significant part in giving voice to my feelings, and a light of hope into my darkness when I was lost. I came to realize that I don’t need to mould myself into my filtered social media profile; that I don’t need anyone’s approval to be my most authentic self. I am enough. I want social media to become a room for acceptance, authenticity and aliveness within themselves. Let's turn our social media platforms into places of not validation, but authenticity and growth. A space for adolescents to unapologetically explore their forms of expressions. Whether it be standing up in redefining the beauty standards, or raising mental health awareness, vulnerability will be a key to creating a healthier social media platform.