Social media challenges spreading positivity during COVID-19

A teen sits in bed wearing the same pajamas they’ve had on for the past week, mindlessly flicking their finger and scrolling through their social media feeds. The next moment, they’re on the floor doing push-ups and recording the perfect video to share with their Instagram followers.

A common theme of unified boredom can be seen across social media during this uncertain time in quarantine. Connecting with others online over the shared hardships faced with the spread of COVID-19 has been a way for some people to cope with their feelings, whereas it can give others something to do. No matter the intention, this increased use of social media over the past several weeks has resulted in the creation of multiple internet challenges.

Some popular trends include “see a pup, post a pup,” “post a picture that makes you happy,” “see 10 push-ups, do 10 push-ups” and of course “until tomorrow.” Most of these challenges involve tagging friends, encouraging them to share the same and keep the chain going. Senior Stephen Nicholson has participated in a couple of these challenges and seen the positive impact they are having on others.

“The reason I believe there’s so many social media challenges right now is because of two things, one being boredom and the other is inspiration. Those are the two ways that these challenges seem to be branching off, but both of them are important. … I feel like those are the two biggest things you need: laughter and inspiration,” Nicholson said.

People are not only finding ways to be active on social media and connect with others, but also empower themselves. Powerful lessons such as gratitude and giving thanks have been shared during this unusual time. Junior Gerda Jucys also sees this time as a chance for leadership to blossom.

“I believe that teens have taken responsibility in making sure everyone is supported through these unprecedented times. Social media is helping kids stand up and be leaders even if it is over a screen. It has taught us that little things matter most,” Jucys said.

While most people have simply taken part in a recent social media challenge that a friend tagged them in, others like senior Bella Oberg have actually created their own. Oberg was inspired to share a challenge that she called the “positivity project” after doing a similar activity at home with her mother.

“[My mother and I] just wrote down how we have been affected by the virus directly, our worries or anxieties, favorite memories and what we’ve been doing to take care of ourselves. So from that, I challenged friends to share how they are taking care of themselves, a favorite memory from the first week at home and one person and activity that they miss. I really liked this concept to reflect on the past few weeks,” Oberg said.

Despite the continued uncertainties of life right now, people have the unique opportunity to share hope with others and stay connected to emphasize the importance of positivity while dealing with a global pandemic.