Online platforms are places we can connect, express, learn and explore.
But it’s important to remember these platforms have been designed to be addictive. The constant feed of ‘best bits’ of other people’s lives can leave us feeling isolated. They can create division and feed extreme views.
At Belong To we want to put the social back into social media. Let’s connect, not consume.
It’s Our Social Media – let’s find better ways of connecting online
LET’S CONNECT…
Did you know you can switch from ‘for you’ to ‘following’ on Instagram and TikTok? This lets you view a feed of who you follow, instead of what the platform wants to show you. Try this to keep the focus on the people you care about.
Clean out your following list – use the golden rule: Does following this person or account bring me joy? If not, unfollow.
Get rid of as many brands and creators as possible – put your focus on friends and people you care about. Let’s prioritise our real friends over parasocial friends. That’s where the real connection is.
NOT CONSUME…
Set daily time limits on your use. There are loads of apps that can give you reminders when you have maxed out your time on a platform, or which can lock you out until the next day.
Fake news, rage bait and dog whistles - our online spaces are full of content to get our pulses racing. It’s important to slow down and question: Is this true? Can this be proven? Why am I seeing this?
We can make our online spaces safer by recognising misinformation and disinformation.
TOP TIPS FOR CONNECTING, NOT CONSUMING
Tells Us What It’s Like Online for You
We want to understand your experience online. Answer the questions below, anonymously, to help us understand what needs to be done to make LGBTQ+ young people safer online.
There are lots of helpful resources online that can help you to better navigate the digital landscape, here are a few that we think are great:
#ITSOURSOCIALMEDIA
Belong To want to create a world where LGBTQ+ young people are equal, safe and valued both online and offline. Explore the site to learn more about how we can make our social media a better place to be.