The Company You Keep

    The vast array of social networking or social media sites available today provide many options, each tailored to specific needs. From keeping up with the latest celebrity news to networking for career opportunities, dating, and sharing creative works, these platforms offer diverse features to meet varying interests and, when used responsibly, can be a powerful tool. 

Social media provides a place to build like-minded communities to share experiences, knowledge, and humor. My favorite Facebook group is Wild Green Memes for Ecological Fiends, an “online community across multiple social media platforms with a focus on humorous wildlife and environmental content.” 

A Harvard School of Public Health study found that “the ways that people are using social media may have more of an impact on their mental health and well-being than just the frequency and duration of their use.” In my opinion, carefully choosing the content we see on social media can significantly impact our mental health, either positively or in a neutral manner. Populating your social media feeds with positive connections and valuable information can ensure a more joyful and enriching experience.

There is no ideal limit on the number of "friends" one should aim to have. Assigning a specific number would only create another unnecessary standard to fulfill. Frank Sonnenberg said it well: "You're only as good as the company you keep." The same principle can be applied to social media. It's important to surround yourself with individuals who positively impact and bring value to your life.