Embedded Files
By Andy Nguyen
It was after school and I was waiting for my parents to pick me up. It took a while so I sat by the tables near a cornered building and went on my phone to make time go by faster.
A few minutes later, I felt a presence across from the tables. It was a student who appeared to be in the same grade as me. They seemed very gloomy with their head facing downward to the ground and with their arms crossed.
I was confused about what was happening and asked, “Hey, are you okay?”
“I’m not doing so well.” they paused.
“A group of friends just teased me because I don’t have any hobbies, passions, or creativity that I am interested in.” they cried.
It seemed very sad to see someone like this because I was like them in the past.
“I wanted to show who I really am, but it’s really complicated.” they added.
“Hey, I can see why you are feeling this way. Although, it should not be the end of the world. Have you explored social media? It can actually bring a lot of creativity into your mindset.” I said.
“I actually don’t have social media. Could you tell me what to do?” they asked.
“Yeah, I have something to show you.” I added.
I took out my phone and played the recording on my audio gallery when I experienced not having a creative lifestyle back then.
“Please listen to this.” as I showed my phone.
The recording starts as they place the phone by them to listen.
***
Something that I have experienced back in middle school was I struggled to find a place in a group that had similar interests. Fortunately, I did not feel that way for long. I had a couple of friends who would not judge me or any other person for the interests we did have. The effects of social media helps see more in myself, to how social media has the ability to influence our thinking. It has a significant impact on our lives. People are educated about their rights and how to apply them through the media.
Instagram is one type of social media that allows people to share their stories and memories. One of my friends, Aly, talked about what she enjoys when viewing Instagram Stories.
Andy: “What do you find inspiring when you're browsing through social media?”
Aly: “I find it interesting to get a peek into someone’s life or part of someone’s life through Instagram Stories that can go viral over a post that someone may have intended to go viral or spread something to raise awareness.”
When looking through Instagram Stories, you notice different productivities online. It helps build connections with the audience and find people with the same or even new interests that appeals to you visually.
Another friend of mine, Nghi, shares how she is inspired by beauty and fashion which fascinates her.
Nghi: “Usually, when I browse through social media like Instagram, I am inspired by fashion-related posts and good places to eat or visit. In general, it gives me ideas of what I want to do, as well as how I want to live. Some people post pictures of their personal life and work life, which is very inspiring to me because they are trying hard to make their life balanced. Though, sometimes social media motivates me to do better in life.”
If you have no idea where you really want to go for personal style, consider this: Who do you admire or what do they have that makes you think they're attractive? Start exploring new ideas as a starting point. You don’t have to follow a certain genre.
And when looking for ideas, keep in mind that it doesn't have to come from fashion. It can be when you come across vibrant colors, then try to integrate them into your outfit. Many designers get their fashion ideas from this kind of style-inspiration. Outside of the world of fashion, you can get ideas for a look that looks original and trendy.
Art is another area that people are drawn to, which my friend Selina says contributes to her own style.
Selina: “Most of my social media are filled with art—it’s like the main thing I usually see when I’m browsing through them. Since sometimes I do art myself, I find that looking at different artwork from different artists to be very inspiring. I mostly follow artists with the same fandom I’m into. Each artist has their own unique style, so it’s nice to see what they come up with and how they draw certain characters from different Anime shows or video games that I also like. I also find singing videos to be very inspiring too, since I love to sing and it’s something I do very often—like everyday.”
Andy: “And so, how does social media influence shape your mindset and how it contributes toward your creativity?”
Aly: “Social media influences me in a way where I can feel like I can voice about things: cyberbullying, or make pronouns more aware and use media to speak out more about things to spread more awareness.”
Social media is a big factor towards bringing awareness towards important events and issues. Begin with the people you already know, such as family and friends that support you with your personal and work life. This motivational pill will make your inspirational and positive thoughts improve as it progresses.
Again, my friend Nghi:
Nghi: “I have to admit, after scrolling through social media for a long time, I could feel insecure about myself because of all the people’s lives and achievements. But at the same time, I know none of us are perfect and we just post things that are the best from us and show it to other people. So, I just accept my insecurities and enjoy what other people have to show. Social media gives me a peek into what kind of lives that people around me have and also what’s trending. Usually, I like to check my Instagram to see if there are any fashion trends cause I love fashion and new songs, new technologies, life hacks, or lifestyles. A lot of times, my creativity comes from these trends. Especially when I try to come up with an outfit every time I go out or plan an outfit for my future events. Also, some life hacks on social media are very helpful, so it’s great to adapt a certain lifestyle from social media that fits my needs and what I want.”
Social media tends to show perfection and flawless pictures, but it’s not true from what’s behind the camera or what it truly shows as a reality.
Selina shared how it inspires her with her own art:
Selina: “When I see a cool or nice piece of artwork on social media, it could influence me to pull out my sketchbook and grab a pencil and start creating something too. And when I hear a song I like or scrolling through social media, the song can later on get stuck in my head. And I’m someone who sings at the most random times—it wouldn’t matter what I’m doing at the moment but I feel like singing then I will.”
Jackie feels similarly, particularly about art from Asian culture:
Jackie: “For me, looking at the unique styles of each artist and the artwork people post on social media meets my inspiration on what to draw and opens my mind to different approaches to drawing something. For example, a majority of my artwork is influenced by Asian culture, which was something I became more interested in as I got more exposure to different types of Asian cultures and the artists that also focus on Asian cultures through social media.”
Art has an impact on culture because it can change people’s hearts and minds, perpetuate beliefs, and convey perceptions through space and time. Art has an effect on one's sense of self. Such as painting, sculpture, music, literature, and other forms of expression, are often regarded as a society's collective memory whether you see it on social media or not.
Social media is more than just a platform to connect with people, but to see what interests us to have a creative mindset of our own tastes and what we like.
***
Back at the table with the student across from me, I stopped the recording.
The student smiled at me and understood well what they wanted to achieve.
“Thank you for helping me find my creative mindset. I finally know what I like and I can prove those people who teased me wrong.” they said as they got up and headed home.
“I have to go too.” I said as I walked to the car. I smiled back, knowing I did the right thing to help someone have a creative mindset.
Social media encourages my creative mindset by participating in an everyday routine, revealing myself to a diverse audience that can help me see things in new ways, overcoming mental barriers, and motivating myself to smile more often.
Song credits
Track: Wataboi - U said it v13
Music promoted by Pixabay
Free Download / Stream: https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=1167
Track: Dreamy Piano
Music promoted by Pixabay
Free Download / Stream: https://pixabay.com/music/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=4049
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