How social media turned into a learning platform
Social media is no longer just about posting and endlessly scrolling. Today, social media has also evolved as a learning platform, although not in the traditional sense. Previously, no one would have imagined that these websites and apps would be used to improve knowledge and acquire skills on the go. There’s another side to social media like Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and even Facebook, which is a hub for classrooms, coaches, and creativity. This is all because the way we consume content has changed, and so has the way we learn. But how is that possible? What makes social media a learning platform?
Reasons behind the rise of educational content on social media
Let’s start with Instagram. Nowadays, there are many creators who share their knowledge with their followers. These include posts with tips on finance, coding, fitness, and even history and politics. Instagram Stories are also used for educational purposes, such as quizzes, polls, and infographics. Then there’s TikTok. Of course, it’s mainly about funny videos and dance challenges, but it’s also full of educators. From language teachers explaining grammar to science experts explaining quantum physics, TikTok makes learning fun. Users discover something new every day, thanks to algorithms that provide content they didn’t even know they needed. As far as LinkedIn is concerned, it offers long posts, industry updates, and free certifications. Whether you want to learn something from CEO leadership posts or learn how to ace an interview, LinkedIn has become a hub for professional growth.
Why is educational content so popular on these platforms? It’s because people are tired of traditional learning methods. Long lectures and textbooks are outdated. Social media, on the other hand, can meet us wherever we are – on our mobile phones. Flexible, user-friendly, fast and personalized – exactly what modern learners are looking for. So let’s take a look at why and how to use social media as a learning platform.
7 tips for using social media as a learning platform
1. Adopt microlearning
Our attention spans are getting shorter and this is backed up by science. This is why microlearning has become so popular, perfect for busy people and people with short attention spans. For example, short videos can provide valuable knowledge while waiting for the bus or during your lunch break. And who better to make short videos than social media? The content provided by social media is easier to digest, so your brain doesn’t overload and information is retained better.
2. Join the community
There’s a place for everyone to join niche communities on social media, communities with very specific content. There, people are passionate about the same things you are, sharing insights, and solving problems together. As you scroll, find communities to join and stay up to date on the things you’re interested in every day. LinkedIn Groups are for professional development, so LinkedIn is the perfect place for it. . From marketing hacks to career advice, these spaces are all about helping you learn skills and build your network. Reddit is also helpful, as it hosts communities for everything from exploring quantum physics to learning to code.
3. Follow influencers and educators
Influencers and educators are all over social media, sharing everything from language lessons to coding hacks to financial and fitness advice. This lets you know who created it, so you can always easily find the content you’re looking for. For example, the next time you scroll through TikTok and see a video of a Spanish teacher sharing pronunciation tips, follow them to improve your language skills. However, please be careful. Just because someone’s account looks pretty or has millions of followers doesn’t mean they’re an expert. Before following them or trusting their advice, please do a quick credibility check. Look for certifications, reviews, or evidence of expertise. This will ensure that you have access to high-quality content.
4. Use interactive features
Social media has a wealth of interactive features that can be used for educational purposes, such as surveys, Q&As, and quizzes. Educators and creators use surveys to test the knowledge of their followers and start discussions. The same goes for the Q&A feature, where you can ask experts any questions related to your content and get answers in real-time. Well, quizzes are an easy way to use your brain and see if you really know the facts on the go. The best part about these features is the instant feedback. Working, learning, and adapting in real time makes the whole experience feel more personal and exciting.
5. Create a personalized learning feed
Social media platform algorithms are getting faster and smarter. This means you’ll see exactly the content you’re interested in in your feed on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, and other platforms of your choice. Even better, it also predicts the content you’ll want to see in the future. . This means it’s easy to edit it to your liking and in our case make it educational. The easiest way is to follow the right accounts. Next, we “train” the algorithm. Watch some helpful videos, like, share, and comment and you’re good to go. Finally, don’t forget to check your feed regularly. If you are no longer interested in the account, please unfollow it.
6. Networking
Social media makes it easier than ever to make connections, find mentors, and collaborate with others. The first platform that comes to mind is LinkedIn, the professional networking expert. Join groups in your industry, follow thought leaders, and gain insight through comments and posts. Next is X (old Twitter). A whole community of researchers, students, and professionals share ideas and articles. Don’t forget Instagram. Many experts can use Stories and Live to share tips, host Q&A sessions, and create dialogue and connections.
7. Recognize the challenges
Social media is great for microlearning and on-the-go learning, but it’s also full of misinformation and irrelevant content. To avoid wasting time or getting facts wrong, know that not everything in your feed is trustworthy. Therefore, always cross-check your information with reliable sources. Also, set a goal for what you actually want to learn, and follow creators and accounts that match that goal. And don’t be afraid to unfollow the ones that don’t suit you. Finally, combat has its distractions. To avoid “doomscrolling”, set a time limit or use a productivity app.
conclusion
why wait? Social media is already part of your daily life. Why not use it to learn something new? Follow experts, join conversations, save TikTok tutorials, and more. Whether you want to learn a new language, understand a complex topic, or stay up to date on industry trends, you can turn your social media platform feed into your own personal classroom. All evidence points to social media further revolutionizing education. The key is to always be open to new possibilities and make the most of the tools you already have.
