Does it seem like “everybody and their cousin” is on social media these days? If you’ve silently said to yourself, “It’s just a fad that will die out soon,” you may be surprised to learn that social media isn’t exiting the stage anytime soon. It’s center stage, baby! And will remain an integral part of our lives.

Its presence is felt in our political system and has launched (and killed) more careers than Show Time At The Apollo.

Simply put, Social media is the most significant invention of the 21st century, and you and I are here to witness the revolution. But don’t be fooled; even though its origins, as we know them today, are a little over a decade, this media will continue to evolve.

Depending on how you feel, the evolution of social media is music to your ears or a call to action.

On the podcast, I’m examining 

• The origins of social media
• Its impact on society
• And the future of media. 

Joining me is one of the most influential social media strategists and consultants, Natasha Samuel. She is the founder of Shine With Natasha, better known by her Instagram handle @ShinewithNatasha.

Natasha and I discuss the good, the so-so, and the downright ugly of social media. To round out the discussion, Natasha shares ways to make social media work for us and tips for staying one step ahead of the algorithms.

Put down that stuffy, boring textbook, grab your earbuds, and get into the most lit history lesson EVER! And don’t forget to rate and subscribe!

Stay in Touch:

• Visit our website. Follow the podcast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook and  feel free to donate.
• To learn more about the podcast host Toya, visit ToyaFromHarlem.com. Connect with Toya on Instagram, Twitter, or buy her a coffee.
• Learn more about Natasha on her  website,    Instagram, Podcast, TikTok

Episode Highlights

• [00:13:09] The History Of Social Media from Morse Code to Yahoo Messenger. Learn about the first social media platforms and how they were used.
• [00:20:05] From commercials to product lines, and even entire companies, social media is responsible for launching the careers of today’s most influential moguls, But is it all good? This episode discusses social media and business pros, cons, and biases.
• [00:25:53] How has social media changed how we communicate, consume information, and connect with each other? Listen as we discuss our experiences with social media and how it impacts our personal lives and businesses.
• [00:36:07] Are the demands of keeping up with your various social profiles causing you anxiety? In this episode of “That Wasn’t In My Textbook,” Natasha and I discuss how to win on social media through play, experimentation, and marching to the beat of your own drum.
• [00:49:05] Oversharing, vulnerability, and the benefits and drawbacks of social media. We explore it all here.
• [00:49:32]What makes the power of social media so intoxicating and alluring? Why are we so prone to becoming addicted to social media? In this episode, we explore the psychological aspects of social media and how it is used to shape opinions and beliefs.
• [01:04:24] If Natasha could write a Chapter in our textbooks, what message would she share with the world? Listen as she reveals the core of her social media philosophy and how it can be used to create a more positive and productive social media experience.

About Natasha Samuel: 

Natasha hosts The Shine Online Podcast and is an Instagram Strategist that helps small businesses shine online. Through intensive strategy days, digital resources, and education, Natasha enables you to build your brand on the ‘Gram with a fulfilling and fun strategy without the overwhelm.. 

Website Link: https://shinewithnatasha.com/

Instagram handle: @shinewithnatasha

Episode Research Credit:  @mellehartley | @drommamedia

Episode Sources:

1.   https://datacommons.org/place/Earth?utm_medium=explore&mprop=count&popt=Person&hl=en

2.   https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/social-media.asp

3.   https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20media

4.   https://online.maryville.edu/blog/evolution-social-media/

5.   https://blog.hootsuite.com/history-social-media/

6.   https://dewzilla.com/a-brief-history-of-social-media/

7.   https://influencermarketinghub.com/social-media-sites/

8.   https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/months-after-tiktok-apologized-black-creators-many-say-little-has-n1256726

9.   https://www.amsivedigital.com/insights/performance-creative/how-black-creators-have-reshaped-social-marketing/

10.  https://datareportal.com/social-media-users

11.  https://www.statista.com/statistics/272014/global-social-networks-ranked-by-number-of-users/