How Can We Use the Internet to Make Us Smarter?

May 10

Social media and technology are integral parts of daily life. We all know that Instagram users post their selfies or people go on Twitter to check out celebrities' MET Gala looks. But, after a while the selfies start to look the same and Twitter posts become opinionated feuds between users.

This is not to say that social media isn’t entertaining but rather, to use social media in the way that is best for you. After-all, what’s the point of having all these platforms, if we use them all to discuss the same topics?

There are two main reasons as to why you feel your social feeds are the same:

The first is the fallacy that following (or copying) trends to create your internet presence is both intriguing and necessary. So, if a topic appears to 'work,' you should discuss it as well.
The more you interact with the same type of content, the more the algorithms recognise that you are interested in it and send you more of it.

Whilst sometimes the algorithms can be useful by suggesting new music or advertising a top you like, most of the time this just creates a content overload. The issue is that this "overload" prevents us from being creative. We begin to believe that we will never be able to keep up with all of the latest trends, and that we will always be a step behind what is going on in the world. We feel as though our curiosity is never nourished and that we need to learn more, and we become overwhelmed and burned out as a result.

So, how can we use the internet to make us smarter?

Trying new channels

It's not all about social media. Rather than spending hours on TikTok following new trends, why not try out something different? Practice your language skills on Duolingo, complete your daily Wordle, listen to new podcasts, content channels, blogs - learn about new people, places, and perspectives.

Diversify your topics

We get it, you might LOVE fashion or football but what if there was something else out there that you loved as much but didn't know about? It’s not going to be the end of the world if you don't watch Arsenal lose (again)! Perhaps watch a Stacey Dooley documentary and learn about challenging and intriguing topics across the world. Open your mind and the content you consume.

Stop following thousands of the same public figures

You’re wondering why your feed is constantly showing the same content but you only follow like-minded people? Uh Oh…It’s time to have a following detox. By no means are we suggesting that you stop following your favourite comedian or someone who makes you smile, but why not look for content and profiles which add something to your daily life. This might be wellbeing, entertainment, a life coach, or a fitness expert.

Disagree and learn

I know we mentioned Twitter feuds earlier but actually sometimes these are great. Who wants to live in a world where everyone's opinions are the same? Don’t get it twisted, there’s some d**kheads on there but sometimes it’s great to listen to people who think differently from you. Discuss, think about it, learn from it, and, if necessary, still disagree. We often neglect to boost our critical thinking because of the impulsive behaviour generated by social media!

Get offline!

Believe it or not there is actually a life away from screens! So after you’re done reading this, shut your laptop or phone and go and enjoy the fresh air and enjoy conversations away from screens.

Basically, what we’re suggesting is that you try not to get trapped in the chamber of online spaces and social media. Open yourself up to new ideas, people, perspectives and you’ll be amazed what you can learn.