How to be of service in 2022
With everything going on in the world right now, it’s tricky to know what to post on social media when work feels so small and insignificant.
If you share your thoughts on the world conflicts, the recession or the price of living, will there be an assumption you don’t care about other topics such as global warming or deforestation?
Is it best to stick to regular posts you already had scheduled or simply talk about day-to-day life? Because I’ve seen content creators who’ve adopted this approach and then been publicly shamed on social media for not being sensitive to what else is going on in the world. It made me wonder - are we best off not posting at all?
In all honesty, I don’t pretend to have all of the answers.
And I’m very aware that none of us individually have the power to control the outcome of any events going on in the world, and that alone can make us feel helpless.
But I do have some thoughts on being of service to the world and taking action that is within our power to influence the world we’re living in.
1. First - recognise when you need to take a break from the news or social media
We're all inundated with the news and limiting consumption can be hard when it starts off on an Alexa news briefing, followed by the morning TV, on the radio in the car, and throughout the day.
Social media can be the same. There’s always news to read and consume. Everyone has an opinion. And, sometimes, that's just too much. We need a break. This might be when:
You can't stop thinking about the news - or it's keeping you up at night
You feel overwhelmed, hopeless or anxious when you think about the state of the world
The news or social media is dominating your conversations (both online and offline);
To limit the social media I consume, I use a Chrome extension on my browser called News Feed Eradicator. In all honesty, that's mostly so that I don't get sucked into feelings of comparison when looking at other accounts, but it actually works for news consumption too. When the extension is turned on, it means I can go to any of my social media platforms and not see (or get sucked into) the main feed. Here’s how it works.
2. Then - be aware of fake news and misleading claims
It can be hard to know who to trust for accurate information. In a world of social media, we’ve already seen fake news and misleading claims continue to go viral. That's why following verified accounts is important - by doing so, you can ensure that you're getting reliable news and information.
This site is one of many that aims to check the facts and highlight whether there’s political bias in the reporting.
And The Tinderbox Film is a rare and thought-provoking examination of both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, from its catalyst to why it still rages, to what needs to happen for it to stop. It airs in cinemas later this month and you can find out more here.
3. Be of service and recognise what’s in your control versus what you can influence
I know that it can be hard to know what to post on social media right now, and the truth is that there isn’t a right or wrong way to move forward.
There isn’t one single action any of us can take right now that will control the outcome of what happens next in the world and that can make us feel helpless.
However, there are actions we can take that mean we are of service and will influence what happens in the world and also closer to home (or in our heads):
Be of service as a business owner:
Keep running your business so you remain of service to others who are relying on your talents and skills.
Be of service as a parent:
When you’re a parent, “already stressed by pandemic parenting, war now frying your nervous system. Remember - gentle parenting is public service work: comforting crying children, raising kind men, preventing trauma is activism. It is service to us all. No one benefits from your burnout.” - TheMamattorney
Be of service when you have more money than time:
Give a lump sum (big or small) to a charity doing good work for a cause you want to support.
Set up a monthly subscription for a charity that’s close to your heart.
Donate a percentage of your profits to charity.
Be of service when you have more time than money:
Research and share the charities you want to see supported and tell your connections how they can donate.
Support charities on social media by liking and sharing their content.
Donate your time to fundraise for your chosen charity.