Confidence (or self-confidence), simply put, refers to the ability to have faith in and take control of oneself. It can be an innate attribute, or acquired through various sources since childhood. Growing up to become a confident individual holds great value, almost making it a prerequisite for success. Children can gain confidence from their parents and guardians; hence, it is crucial to instill these ideas within them from the very beginning. In addition to that, with the increasing digitalization all over the world, the digital space has broadened the opportunity to build and boost confidence through various mediums such as social media.
Recently, social media has been playing a significant role in boosting confidence within young adults. Opportunities to showcase talents or express oneself freely can be a major confidence booster, as it reinforces the idea of being good at something . Social media creates that platform for the youngsters, where they can express themselves, their creativities and talents. Be it an amateur song cover, or a virtual exhibition of artsy masterpieces, everyone can showcase the best versions of themselves which earlier may have remained hidden within. This feeling of “being good at something” followed by appreciative comments can greatly boost confidence.
Many talented youngsters aspiring to do something big in life can get access to exposure through social media. Likee, a popular short video platform, had launched a music video named “Dekhbe Sara Duniya ” (World Will See You), featuring its 10 most talented content creators. This has proven to be a great opportunity for them, which has in turn encouraged many more to pursue their dreams. Such initiatives come in as a ray of hope, giving the youth of now the confidence and aspiration for a bright future.
Moreover, social media has the scope for interactivity through feedback with the options to like and comment. When any person receives appreciation or positive words from people around them, naturally it works as an immense confidence booster. Getting appreciated through likes and comments affirms and validates the person’s hold on his/her abilities, eventually motivating them to work on those even more. On the other hand, sharing bits and pieces of daily life with close ones can stimulate the feeling of connection and belonging, which is hugely facilitated by social media. Using such platforms, the young can also get the opportunity to meet and interact with like-minded people, creating a comfortable environment while encouraging community building. With similar people around, they do not feel alone, hence find confidence and value within themselves.
Social media has often been associated with body image issues and anxiety; however, this undermines the subjective, initiative and judging abilities of the young. Be it in the field of entertainment, education or activism, social media comes with multi-faceted opportunities, as youngsters get to exhibit their skills in all forms. Moreover, they go on to execute social activities aimed towards promoting self-affirmation within others, channeling them through social media. There are Key Opinion Leaders (KOL) who stand up against the pathological aesthetics, creating trends or hashatags like #selflove, to encourage authenticity and inclusiveness. Thanzil Jony, an experienced choreographer and a celebrated Likee user, recently hosted a fashion show for the disabled and posted their videos on Likee, showcasing their style and boosting their confidence, while also calling for awareness for the disabled.
The confidence boost youngsters nowadays gain from social media does not only accumulate towards becoming influencers, but they take it as an opportunity to express themselves with utmost freedom, where they can safely work towards their passion to realize their dreams. By opening up opportunities of self-affirmation, social media paves the way for becoming a mature and confident individual.
Everyone seeks a safe space to step forward towards their wishes and social media creates that space, digitally. Likee has exemplified social media’s role as a confidence booster through its commitment of building an interest-based community for all users, promoting self-expression. They leave no stone unturned in supporting talented youths to achieve their dreams. With the rise of platforms like Likee, we can now expect an entire generation of positive, self-affirmed and confident individuals in the future.
Writer
Gibson Yuen, Head of Likee Global Operations