Whether we want to admit it or not, mindless scrolling through Instagram and TikTok, sending Snapchats and getting sucked into conversation threads has become ingrained in many of our daily routines. While social media can be a distraction and contribute to procrastination, it also offers a myriad of opportunities for people to connect, learn and grow academically and professionally. We can harness the power of social media to enhance our productivity and make the most of our college experience.
Join university groups and follow official accounts
One of the first ways to maximize social media productivity is to connect with the university community, but how do we know if an account is official? The Better Business Bureau outlines easy identifiers for scams and fake accounts. Inspecting follower-to-engagement ratio and the quality of engagement can help determine if a profile is legitimate. For example, an account with five thousand followers, but only 10-15 likes on their posts might be a sign that the account is not legitimate. NC State departmental accounts typically link back to the official university websites in their profiles or link services. Use caution if you do not see this in the account.
NC State’s social media groups and official accounts on platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn provide valuable information on upcoming career fairs, campus events and crucial updates that students may otherwise miss out on. Check out the Wellness and Recreation Instagram account or website to stay informed, or visit the Wolfpack Wellness website for more on campus-wide wellness resources. Engaging with these resources ensures you stay informed and connected with university activities.
Social media as a professional tool
Social media provides an opportunity for members to connect with professionals outside the classroom. LinkedIn can be an excellent avenue for networking with faculty members, colleagues or peers. Participating in academic discussions and forums allows you to share research and ideas while engaging in meaningful conversations. Challenge yourself today by following one professor, colleague or peer in your field of study and sending them a note to introduce yourself. Priming yourself with connections now could lead to research opportunities and career guidance in the future. Visit the Career Development Center or use their virtual drop-in hours for additional support with creating and fine-tuning your LinkedIn profile.
Follow people who inspire and educate
The National Library of Medicine states that frequent use of social media has been linked to lower self-esteem and worsened feelings of loneliness and anxiety. What we consume in the media affects how we think and feel, so it’s important to review our usage and ask ourselves what brings us joy. Catering who and what we follow to our interests and goals puts us in a positive headspace rather than one riddled with comparison and envy. Follow your favorite author, a body positivity advocate or an activist that inspires you.
Take advantage of Counseling Services, review your employee benefits or utilize wellness coaching to develop strategies for better managing your social media, time, tasks and goals. ThriveWell provides wellness coaching sessions to students looking to develop healthy mindsets around their goals and instill positive habits in their daily lives.
Study tools using social media
Some may find motivation when working in groups. Zoom and FaceTime are great tools for collaborating on group projects or working on homework together. Don’t forget to use your NC State Unity ID for longer meetings and larger group access when using Zoom. YouTube’s Study With Me playlists provide virtual study buddies to help with accountability, and many videos use the Pomodoro Technique to implement scheduled breaks and designated time for self-care.
By strategically using social media to connect with your university, professors and inspirational figures, you can transform it into a valuable tool for personal and academic growth. Don’t forget to incorporate it into your next study routine. Next time you check your phone, be sure to browse NC State’s helpful resources.
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