The logic of those happy to indulge in the sanctimonious critique of social media – particular when done in 140 characters or less – continues to surprise me. Just this week, 26-year-old singer and actress Selena Gomez told a press conference that “social media has really been terrible for my generation”.

I, as a card-carrying member of said generation, couldn’t disagree more.

It’s fair to say there are pot holes in the digital landscape: cyber bullying, unrestricted access to pornography, trolling. But they are not social media in its entirety. In fact, social media can be a blessing in disguise. For many, it provides a sense of community and support they would find impossible to replicate in the world around them. With unparalleled access to people far beyond our postcodes, it gives everyone the chance to belong.

Though some of us are lucky enough to be part of real-life circles that share our interests, challenges and experiences, others find them online. There is something for everyone; from micro-communities of vintage book lovers who swap their favourite reads across oceans to medical support groups who empathise and troubleshoot side-effects that no-one ‘IRL’ can.

With next to no effort, a simple hashtag or keyword can connect the disconnected.

When you’re struggling with something personal or can’t find an answer to a problem, social media offers a wealth of potential solutions. It gives us the ability to question what we already know, learn from others’ mistakes and adopt the aspects of their successes that work for us.

CREDIT: AFP

With the entire WiFi-connected world at our fingertips, it’s easier than ever to find our tribe.

This is especially true when it comes to global activism. Social media is the most obvious and effective tool for change; case in point, Black Lives Matter.

The movement started on Twitter, in response to the death of black teenager Trayvon Martin; millions of people around the world felt motivated to protest violence and hate towards black communities. Its hashtag gave those without a voice one of the most impactful of the century so far. And let’s not forget either, the era-defining anti-sexual harassment Me Too movement, which started on Twitter.

Selena Gomez shared her support of MeToo at 2017’s Billboard Women in Music event, saying “I hope that this moment can encourage all women that they know it’s safe to say what you want to say and what you need to say, and there’s such freedom in that.”

Perhaps she doesn’t think social media is really so terrible, after all.