Social media is all over the news these days. It is both the source and topic of news discussion. In that discussion, it is often villified, seen as a vehicle by which the worst that humanity has to offer is given power to broadcast to a larger audience than they deserve. In many ways, those criticisms are well-founded. In addition, at LYFS, we work a lot with youth and families who have been affected negatively by involvement with social media, whether it is due to addictive use of screens, sexual inappropriateness, or simply wandering down virtual dark alleys. There is every reason to exercise caution when it comes to social media. However, as with all stereotypes, the problem is not whether the story is true or not, it’s whether it is complete. In this case, to portray social media as strictly unhealthy, painting a diverse phenomenon with a broad brush, is to tell only part of the story. Social media also allows us to be connected in a way that we never have before, and not just to people but to ideas.

One way that social media can be put to use for our good is by connecting us to both people and ideas that speak to the challenges we experience in life. Social media can create opportunities for large virtual support groups, comprised of people who are going through similar trials, learning from each other and supporting one another. Here are some links to social media pages that you may find helpful if you are looking for a little extra: