How Social Media Changed My Life

Social media has fundamentally transformed how we communicate, consume information, and interact with the world around us. From Facebook and Instagram to TikTok and Twitter (X), these platforms have become integral parts of our daily lives. In this article, I explore how posting on social media and creating a platform changed my life by opening up new opportunities, finding friends that share my interests, and making money through brand deals and sponosorships.

My instagram account since I started doing social media in 2022

Discovering the Social Media Internet World

When I first joined social media, I was curious about what everyone was talking about. I started small, posting pictures and thoughts about everyday moments. When I hit 1k followers, I decided to start posting content that I believed would help people. I began posting notes, tips for school and basically anything that was related to academia. I would have never imagined that these simple posts would evolve into a digital diary that not only reflected who I was but also attracted people who shared similar interests.

The first TikTok post that went viral and changed my life

Building My Platform

Creating and maintaining a social media presence isn’t just about posting content, it’s about building a platform that represents your voice. I began experimenting with different formats: videos, photos, and live sessions. I quickly learned that authenticity and consistency are the keys to connecting with an audience.

Tips that I Learned Along the Way

1. Being authentic goes a long way. People can tell when you’re genuine. Sharing your true self, your struggles and successes help build trust and create a loyal following. Nobody wants to follow someone who just posts about their successes and never their failures. The same goes for someone who just speaks about things that everyone agrees with. If you don't have haters you're doing something wrong. You should never try to please anyone online.
2. Engage With Your Audience. Respond to comments, ask questions, and create content that invites conversation. This not only grows your audience but also creates a supportive community. It also allows you to build a closer connection between people who follow you which keeps them coming back for more.
3. Stay Consistent. Regular posting and interaction keep your platform alive. Over time, you develop a recognizable style and voice that people come back for. This is one of the biggest factors to whether or not a content creator stays viral or not in the long run. All the famous people you see on social media have thousands of posts up on all different platforms with their account.
4. Embrace Change. Social media is ever-evolving. Adapting to new trends and platforms, like TikTok’s rapid rise, allowed me to reach new audiences and stay relevant. You should always be looking for new ways to change up your content and try new things. If you're not growing you're dying.

Opening New Opportunities

One of the most exciting aspects of my social media journey has been the opportunities that have come my way. I've been able to connect with other bigger content creators in engineering and cs which was pretty cool because I used to look up to those people when I was younger. To be able to call them a friend was pretty cool to say. I also leveraged social media to help me land internships at places like Meta Hash Capital and RBC due to it being a unique trait of mine that usually no other candidate had. If you're wondering, yes I did put this on my AIF when I applied to UWaterloo and I am certain it helped me get into the program.

Here's a picture of what I first saw when exploring the syde floor in e7 at uwaterloo for the first time

Personal Growth and New Friendships

Social media isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the people you meet. Through my posts, I connected with individuals who shared my interests and values. These relationships have grown from online interactions into lasting friendships and collaborations.

Pic of Ian I took when he visited the RBC office lol

Professional Breakthroughs

Before social media, I never imagined that I could build a career from sharing my passion online. Today, I receive invitations to speak or judge at events, collaborate with influencers, and even work with brands on exciting projects. These opportunities have allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.

Financial Rewards

As my following grew, so did the interest from brands looking for authentic connections with consumers. Through sponsorships and brand deals, I turned my passion into a viable source of income.

• Working with brands taught me how to create content that aligns with both my personal style and the brand’s message. This balance is crucial for maintaining authenticity while providing value to sponsors. I experimented with affiliate marketing and sponsored posts. Learning what worked for my audience was key to turning my platform into a revenue stream.

The first brand deal that actually paid some decent money for my video

Final Thoughts

Social media has transformed my life in unimaginable ways. It has allowed me to express myself creatively, connect with people from all over the world, and even turn my passion into a career. While the digital landscape continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the power of authentic connection. As I continue this journey, I look forward to the new opportunities and experiences that lie ahead.