In the current job market, information is everything. News spreads quickly, and there are many versions of it. Social media plays a significant role in what your future employer may know about you. Something posted in your high-school hey-day may affect you negatively because these days, everyone knows everything about everyone if they have a social media account on a well-known platform.

However, there are some positives around social media which we have created below:

1. Keeps you up to date

There is nothing worse than walking into a conversation with intellectuals in the workplace or walking into an interview where you are clueless about current affairs. On breaking news and current affairs applications, having a quick read while eating lunch or waiting for a carwash can serve you in many situations.

2. Creative outlet

Don’t get us wrong, art on canvas and in sculpture form is fantastic, however, with the move toward a technological age, digital art has reared its head and made a huge break. From writing, painting, poetry to sculpture, any form of art is being created and distributed on social media, which is great for creatives that crave exposure outside of art galleries and on art platforms.

3. Self-design

Although it sounds strange, we often find that the pages and people we follow have a profound impact on us and what we believe and what communities we enjoy. Social media creates varying platforms for passions to be pursued and for you to figure out what you like and pull inspiration from other people who feel similar to you.

4. Social interaction

The interaction that happens on social media allows for connections to be made. These connections could be linked to job opportunities or even increase your network of people to gain experience. Experience in the working world that is coupled with a qualification is job searching dynamite and can open doors that you didn’t know you wanted to open.

5. Creates awareness

This is a big one. There have been so many terrible things that have happened in South Africa in 2020. To name a few; the GBV crimes that have now been labelled the second pandemic in South Africa after COVID-19 and the #blacklivesmatter movement which has been a global movement. Social media is the hands and feet of essential movements and information behind these happenings, it also creates awareness for vulnerable people. It ensures a certain level of security through awareness.

As helpful as social media is, it is worth mentioning that it can also be a dangerous place where predators lurk. We advise that before throwing yourself into any form of social media that you research what you are getting yourself into. We know you have heard this and probably read it a thousand times; however, it’s better to be safe than sorry.