I can remember my first AIM screenname, squiggles242. My third grade self thought it was the perfect combination of creative and unique. Shortly after the death of AIM, my Myspace persona emerged. Then I created my Facebook profile, followed by a Twitter handle, an Instagram page, a YouTube channel and a Snapchat account. Just like my social media platforms, I have changed. This is because throughout my life, social media has served as a creative outlet and allowed me to truly express myself. It all started when I created my YouTube channel. Don’t worry, I am not one of those YouTubers who goes on rants about their daily life struggles.
youtuber: *steps on lego bare foot*
youtuber: pic.twitter.com/kt4lorVJEz
— YouTuber Clickbait (@YouTuberProbs_) January 29, 2017
My YouTube channel is the way I share my passion for music with people as I’ve been uploading acoustic covers for 7 years now. At first, I was uploading my videos because I was too scared to sing in front of people and felt more comfortable in front of a camera. But once others started watching and sharing my videos, I had the confidence to sing in front of others and not just a camera.
My YouTube channel gave me the confidence to creatively express myself, and that’s true for other platforms as well. I find myself using my social media as more of a form of art rather than constantly posting about daily life. Whether it’s taking and editing interesting pictures for Instagram, or collecting photos that go together for my Tumblr page, I am able to be most creative through my online presence.
Spark some #creativity today. #agencylife pic.twitter.com/MbxX4UVSTR
— 1059 Creative Agency (@1059creative) August 21, 2016
Just like me, many “users are discovering innovative and exciting ways to use technology to express their personalities, style, and ideas.” Overall, social media has given me the platforms and the confidence to embrace my creativity.