Social media, of course, has its positives. I can honestly say, I’ve learnt some things from TikTok.

Not everything online is hate comments and politics, thank god! There are a handful of things I personally love about social media. We can go through them together.

• Staying in the loop with family and friends

This is more than just being able to speak to people. Obviously, it’s nice to be able to connect with people across different platforms—but sometimes it’s even nicer not to, and to simply appreciate them from a distance. It might not make sense, but in my head it does. For example, I moved to Sunderland in 2023 when I started university, just as a lot of my friends were going to different universities across England or even getting full-time jobs back home. Now, what I like about social media is being able to see all these people succeed and be happy, but from a distance. I don’t have to speak to people every day to know that they’re doing well. Sometimes I just like to watch from the sidelines.

• Regular updates on what’s going on in my area

I love being in the know! I want to know everything, whether a local restaurant has a new menu, something’s closing down, or something’s opening, or crime updates, I can find it all online. It’s great. Even things like quiz nights or upcoming events. All that stuff is advertised online, and I enjoy that I can find it all in one place.

• Lots and lots of inspiration

This is a little vague, but completely true. I can be inspired to do absolutely anything. From outfit and makeup ideas, to crafts, to recipes and baking. An idea really isn’t far away. I can see what the latest and greatest in Primark, or new and improved gym ideas. There’s a lot of creativity on social media, and a lot of opportunities for you to be creative.

• Advice and tutorials everywhere

Your online algorithm really highlights people who have been through the things that you’re going through. You can find at least one person, usually a lot more, posting advice or their experience regarding every topic you can think of. Whether it’s grief, school, break-ups, arguments, or even make-up tips, or how to braid your hair. There is someone out there doing something for you.

Obviously, there are loads of things that are good about being online; these are just my top 4. Social media really can be a great thing. It just needs to be used correctly.

Examples of my TikTok