When Facebook first hit the scene in the mid-2000s, few could have predicted just how deeply social media would shape our daily lives. From connecting with friends to building careers and growing businesses, platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have become essential tools. Looking back over the years, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come—and I’ve had a front-row seat to that evolution, both personally and professionally.

During my last semester of college in 2009, I had the opportunity to dive deep into social media’s potential during an independent study class. At the time, social media was still finding its place in the world of journalism. Recognizing its growing influence, I wrote a guide specifically for college newspapers across Georgia. My goal was to help these student-run publications understand how platforms like Facebook and Twitter could expand their reach, engage their audiences, and share news in real time. It was a project born from my passion for both storytelling and innovation, and it laid the foundation for my future work in digital media.

After graduating, I took those insights into the professional world, helping the newspapers I worked for integrate social media into their daily operations. This involved more than just posting headlines—it was about creating a two-way conversation with readers. I introduced strategies for using platforms like Facebook to break news, promote features, and foster community discussions. By training reporters and editors on the best practices for engaging audiences online, we were able to extend the reach of our stories and build stronger connections with our readers. I even wrote a story about how businesses were beginning to use Facebook page in 2010 for the business section of the newspaper I worked at.

Of course, social media has evolved tremendously since those early days. The rise of Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms has transformed the way we consume and share information. Video content, live streaming, and algorithm-driven feeds have changed the digital landscape, offering new opportunities—and challenges—for anyone looking to make an impact online.

Perhaps one of the most significant changes has been the evolution of Twitter—now rebranded as X. In its early days, Twitter was a powerful tool for journalists, providing a platform to share breaking news and real-time updates. It allowed newsrooms to connect directly with their audiences and gave everyday people a voice in public conversations. Over time, however, the platform has faced challenges. The rise of misinformation, the spread of unverified content, and changes to the platform’s algorithm have made it harder for credible voices to stand out. What was once a hub for real-time news and thoughtful discourse has, in many ways, become a noisy battleground of opinions, conspiracy theories, and sensationalism.

This shift reflects a broader trend in the digital age: the democratization of information. Today, anyone with a smartphone can capture breaking news, share their perspective, and reach a global audience. In many ways, this is empowering—it has given a voice to people who might otherwise go unheard. Yet, it has also blurred the lines between professional journalism and citizen reporting. The challenge is that not everyone adheres to the same standards of accuracy, fairness, and accountability that professional journalists follow. As a result, misinformation can spread quickly, making it harder for the public to discern fact from fiction.

Despite these challenges, social media continues to play a vital role in how we connect, communicate, and stay informed. Looking back, I’m proud of the role I’ve played in helping organizations embrace social media as a tool for storytelling and connection. As technology continues to evolve, I’m excited to see where the future of digital communication will take us—and I’m eager to continue being part of that journey.

The key, I believe, lies in using these platforms responsibly, promoting accurate information, and fostering genuine connections that bring people together. After all, at its best, social media still has the power to inform, inspire, and create positive change.