Social media is a hotly debated topic and often divides opinion. So many problems in society are blamed by the influence that social media has on it. It’s a bit like when the television first came out, that was blamed and then when the mobile phone arrived, that too. Now I am not here to say social media is perfect but I like to think of it like a medicine. Although it is good for us, it has its side effects. Now like medicine, we have to balance the side effects with the benefits. Yes, there are the trolls and bullies who hide behind the anonymity that the internet gives them but what about the good side effects? That’s what I want to focus on and more specifically how it’s helped women.
Firstly, the world of social media and the internet opened the world to everyone. It’s truly made us global citizens. It’s not only reconnected families but also people in general. What’s more, for Muslim women, it’s really been a turning point, in my opinion. It’s given women a platform to share ideas, skills and creative talents. For many Muslim women this really has been life changing. Don’t forget we are talking about communities, some not all, that are very shy or even discouraging of social interaction of women in public. Some of our Muslim women live a very secluded life. These women are far from oppressed, they just have a different lifestyle.
What social media has done is given such women a way to show their talents without infringing on their community interaction norms. They can now share anything and do anything without leaving their home. Their talents are shared and celebrated with a level of anonymity if desired. Many have started successful groups and businesses. As a result, it’s really opened up such communities to the world.
Just on my own Instagram feed, I have a woman who bakes cakes that are truly works of art. It has become a successful business and she has to turn orders down. She is just that busy! Now she is someone who is very religious and her social interaction with the world was very limited prior to joining Instagram. In my opinion social media has given her such fantastic opportunities.
Amongst the women I follow there is the student who makes and sells mouth-watering desserts, the one selling resin art, the one selling candles, the one selling hijabs, I could go on but I think you get my point. Now that’s just the Muslim women selling goods. There are so many with online teaching courses, mentoring schemes or those with content just to advise and help.
With no initial set up or advertising costs more and more Muslim women are taking the plunge with their start up businesses. All you need is a phone and some confidence and your hobby can soon turn into something more lucrative. In terms of followings there has been a shift away from Muslim beauty bloggers with the diversity of talent filling our feeds with Muslim women showcasing everything from food to fine art.
This diversity is brilliant for our younger girls to see and the message coming across is loud and clear that anything is possible, whatever your age may be! Social media allows me to follow Muslim women of all ages, colours and backgrounds. For women who have left their careers to start families this is a perfect way to explore their passions without sacrificing time with my family. Personally the positive side effects of social media, far out way the negative. It really has been a game changer for women all over the world and should be embraced whole heartedly.
Has social media changed your life? Share your experience in the comment box below.
