The Unexpected Benefits of Posting on Social Media

In an era defined by school device bans and the trend of "Brick-ing" phones, the prevailing narrative suggests that less screen time equals a healthier life. Digital detoxes are all the rage, with millions setting New Year's resolutions to disconnect. However, a distinct cohort is swinging in the opposite direction, insisting that being online actually makes them healthier, not less.

These individuals reject the "get offline" mentality. Instead of passive scrolling, they are turning to active, genuine posting as a tool for healing, building confidence, and professional advancement. For them, the solution to social media's pitfalls isn't abandonment—it's engagement.

For many, posting content is a direct confrontation with personal fears. Mfonsio Andrew, a 21-year-old Harvard student, started posting on TikTok in 2022 specifically to overcome a debilitating fear of public speaking. Growing up shy, she had previously lost a school government election because her friends had to run her social media accounts for her.

Andrew’s strategy was radical simplicity. She committed to being authentic, posting her honest thoughts without over-editing or filming multiple takes. "If you don't think you're good at public speaking, post yourself talking," Andrew said. "You're just talking to someone. That's what I thought about." The result was transformative: TikTok made her significantly less shy.

This phenomenon extends to others seeking to break out of their shells. Frank Puyat, an 18-year-old student at the University of Westminster in London, describes himself as a "quiet person." Despite this, he set a resolution to post on TikTok every single day in 2026.

I'm not the most loud person in the room. If I'm with my phone, I get to be that loud person that I want to be.

Similarly, Chelsea Schmidt, a 38-year-old from Kansas City, found her confidence by channeling her inner child. While working at a daycare, she began posting zany videos of herself dancing at the gym during nap time. "This is what my inner child wants me to do," Schmidt said. "They want me to sing and dance. They want me to be alive and to show other people that liveliness."

The benefits these users experience are not merely anecdotal. Research indicates that posting authentically online is associated with positive mental health outcomes. The distinction lies in the difference between passive consumption and active creation.

Sandra Matz, a professor at Columbia Business School, advises that the healthiest approach is to avoid "acting out of character." Whether an individual posts about green juices or fast food, the positive outcomes are linked to being real rather than performing for an audience.

This sentiment is echoed by Cameron Bunker, an assistant professor at Emerson College. When asked whether it is better to post frequently and authentically or not to post at all, Bunker chose the former. He noted that the negative effects of social media are more likely to occur if you are a passive person who doesn't post at all.

Chloe Diamond, a 22-year-old drama student at New York University, puts this into practice by rejecting aspirational content. She posts about topics she feels others won't admit to, such as flirting fails, makeup mistakes, and niche documentaries.

• Sharing struggles with moving from the Midwest to New York City
• Discussing taboo topics like politics and personal feelings
• Connecting with others who empathize with her vulnerability

While her honest approach has drawn attention from media commentators, it has also yielded real-world benefits, helping her form genuine friendships with people who resonate with her experiences.

Social media is also serving as a critical lifeline for professional networking and job hunting. Bryan Finfrock, a 45-year-old from Rockford, Michigan, was laid off from his product marketing role in 2024. Facing health challenges and a difficult job market, he devised a plan to post on LinkedIn every day in 2026 to find the right job.

Finfrock treats his posting strategy like a marketing campaign, utilizing themed days like "Technical Tuesday" and "Wildcard Wednesday" to showcase his skills to potential employers. "Being unemployed for a year, it feels good to talk to people again," he said. "I needed to do something different."

The professional utility of social media is not limited to LinkedIn. Steve Zeringue, a 50-year-old designer from California who has been unemployed for six months, has turned to TikTok to make noise after a lifetime of quiet. For him, the content's success isn't measured in metrics.

I don't care if it gets likes or views or whatever. I'm just having fun.

Kim Rittberg, a New York-based social media strategist, emphasizes that many professionals suffer from being "accomplished but anonymous." By building a digital footprint, individuals can ensure the right people know who they are and what they can offer.

Beyond individual growth and career goals, active posting fosters a sense of community that is often missing in passive scrolling. Campbell Morrison, a 22-year-old from Edinburgh, notes that his roommates also post online, creating a collaborative environment.

"We're all enjoying it," Morrison said. "We get to bounce ideas off of each other." This shared creative process turns social media from a solitary activity into a communal one.

For Chloe Diamond, the community aspect is vital. She values the ability to be vulnerable online and respects others who do the same. By discussing topics that young people often struggle with—politics, feelings, and personal struggles—she helps create a space where authenticity is the currency.

The shift from passive consumption to active creation allows users to curate their digital environment. Instead of being bombarded by the polished lives of others, they become the architects of their own narrative, attracting like-minded individuals in the process.

The narrative surrounding social media is evolving. While the dangers of passive scrolling and comparison are well-documented, a new wave of users is proving that intentional, authentic posting can be a powerful tool for self-improvement. From overcoming shyness at Harvard to navigating unemployment in Michigan, these stories highlight the potential for digital platforms to serve as catalysts for real-world change.

As we move further into 2026, the distinction between healthy and unhealthy social media use will likely continue to hinge on agency. Those who take control of their narrative—posting their truth, engaging with communities, and leveraging platforms for professional growth—are finding that the digital world offers more than just distractions; it offers connection and opportunity.