Social media and I have always had, well, a complicated relationship.

Thanks to the Wi-Fi in my college dorms, I first got internet access in 2013 at the age of 18 (that’s a long story for another time🥲). I didn’t waste a moment and created my Facebook and Instagram accounts right away. I started leaving my digital footprint on Facebook, doing all the silly things a teenager would 😉while only using Insta for lurking. Fun fact: I started using LinkedIn before I ever posted on Insta. That probably says a lot about me (and I guess, maybe enough for now, lol).

On one hand, it’s been a lifeline. It keeps me connected with friends back in India, introducing me to communities I never even knew existed (Reddit has been a big one lately👀), and giving me spaces to learn, teach, and grow. On the other hand, it can be overwhelming, distracting, and sometimes just a little toxic.

The positives first!

Social media has kept me connected to my students and fellow educators, especially during the pandemic. I’ve shared resources, answered questions, and even hosted little “study lives” on Instagram for Chemistry during those stressful exam times (if you’re wondering, yes, they’re stressful for teachers too).

It’s also a place where I’ve learned so much myself — from educational leadership strategies on Twitter (well… now X), to educational communities on Facebook, to short French lessons on TikTok.

And honestly, as someone living in a new country, it’s comforting to scroll through updates from home in India while also following new communities here in Canada.

The not-so-positive side 

Doomscrolling. Enough said. 😅

Also, the line between personal and professional blurs way too often. I’ve caught myself worrying: Should I be curating my profile more like an “educator brand” or just post like myself? There’s also the constant comparison. Seeing polished teacher-influencer content can sometimes make me feel like I’m not doing enough.

Overall, I’d say social media is a double-edged sword. The older I get (and the more I grow as an educator), the more intentional I’ve become about using it as a tool for connection and learning instead of just endless scrolling.

For example, the r/French subreddit has taught me little intricate details that Duolingo missed, while also connecting me with other learners. And it feels good to not only learn, but also contribute — I’ve been able to share tips and explanations that help others too. As an intermediate learner (CEFR Upper B1), it’s a reminder that social media can actually be a two-way classroom if you use it right.

I’m curious to see how this course will shape my perspective even more, especially as I work toward creating my own online teaching platform someday.

Living my productive social media usage era,

Dishant

PS: I am accepting suggestions for links, so please don’t hesitate. As Katia said, there can never be too many!