Is Social Media Good? | Horizon Visual Media

Is Social Media Good?

“Social media isn’t real life.”
I’ve heard that line so many times — but here’s the thing: it still shapes real life every single day.

Whether you love it, hate it, or try to ignore it, social media has changed how we connect, share, and do business. And in my experience, the answer to whether it’s “good” isn’t black and white. But let’s dig in.

The Personal Side of Social Media

Let’s start with the obvious: social media makes it ridiculously easy to keep in touch. I can see a friend’s new job announcement, my cousin’s vacation photos, and my neighbor’s community fundraiser — all before I’ve finished my morning coffee.

It’s also motivating. Sharing a win (personal or professional) and having people celebrate with you feels good. And sometimes, it’s the boost we need to keep going.

Of course, there’s the flip side — comparison traps, endless scrolling, the pressure to look perfect. But if you focus on sharing value and celebrating genuine connections, the positives can outweigh the negatives.

The Business Advantage

Now, let’s talk business.
Social media isn’t just a place to post pictures of your lunch (though no shame if you do). It’s one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to:

• Build trust with potential customers.

• Showcase expertise in your industry.

• Keep your brand top-of-mind.

I’ve worked with companies who’ve turned casual posts into huge opportunities. Take a real estate agency I know — they didn’t just post listings. They highlighted local events, shared community good news, and told stories that had nothing to do with selling houses. Result? Hundreds of thousands of views and a reputation as the go-to agency in town.

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Why It Works

Here’s the key: people identify with people.
That’s why social media is so powerful. It gives you a place to show — not just tell — what you’re about. A behind-the-scenes photo of your team says more about your culture than a polished mission statement ever could. A quick, imperfect video can show authenticity in a way that scripted ads sometimes can’t.

On platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, visuals aren’t just nice — they’re essential. People stop scrolling for something that makes them feel. That’s the gold.

Interested in outsourced social media? Read this post to learn how to outsource social media without losing your mind.

Social Media Pushes Creativity

There’s another silver lining: competition for attention has forced creators to get better. In the noise, the content that sticks is usually the content that matters — valuable insights, real stories, or something genuinely entertaining.

I’ve seen clients who were skeptical at first — like a B2B company convinced social media was a waste for them — end up attracting partners simply because their online presence showed they were active, busy, and legitimate. Even if they weren’t “selling” directly, they were building trust every time they posted.

My Take

Is social media good?
Yes… if you use it with intention.

Don’t let likes dictate your self-worth. Don’t post for the sake of posting. Instead:

• Share value.

• Tell your story.

• Celebrate others.

• Stay present enough to not miss what matters.

The reality is, this is where people are — friends, customers, partners, and even competitors. And if you use it well, it can help you connect, grow, and build something real in a space that’s often accused of being fake.

Want to learn more about managing social media? Check out social media management isn't what you think.