Social Media Can Be a Good Thing?

Wait, what?

JJonathan Haidt, a smart, heady, and engaging voice, has become a prominent figure in the public discourse surrounding social media's impact, particularly on younger users. If you've been under a rock, his latest book, The Anxious Generation, really delves into documenting and detailing the downsides – from increased anxiety and depression to the erosion of social interactions and cohesion. Yet, amidst these valid concerns, I want to highlight a story that showcases the positive potential of social media.

And thus, here is how social media can (and has) been a good thing.

Our story begins with these three tweets from a user named Millie :

There’s a few emotions in play here, many of which are too foreign to social media these days. There’s happiness, there’s content, and there’s appreciation. This is the good that can come from social media.

A quick investigation led to a website called Share Ami (Share Friend). It’s a program rolled out by the nicely named, Oldyssey, an international organization dedicated to raising awareness about the elderly and amplifying their voices, Share Ami aims to bridge the generational gap and combat loneliness among older individuals in France.

This is a clever elegant solution to a pair of problems. Older people often face profound loneliness, as their social circles naturally diminish with the passing of friends and family. So too does their ability to get out and make new friends.

On the other side of the equation are foreign language students, who benefit from opportunities to practice their skills with native speakers. It's a win-win, fostering bonds while providing practical language immersion.

This innovative approach is particularly significant when considering the pervasive issue of loneliness among older adults. A recent national study published in JAMA reveals that while not at pre-pandemic levels ore than one-third of the 50-80 year old demographic reports feeling lonely and experiences social isolation. Initiatives like Share Ami offer a tangible way to address this critical social challenge."

Connecting generations through conversation, contributing to education, fighting loneliness. This is technology, social media and humanity at a high point.

It’s a good thing.