If you are on social media, which most people are, you have no doubt seen requests from people you follow for you to share their content (posts, videos, etc.). You might also see requests to like, comment, subscribe, or follow, depending on the platform. Many of us intuitively understand why we are being asked this, but let’s dig a little deeper into why sharing on social media matters so much and how you can make an impact just by re-sharing certain content.

Why Social Media?

Around seventy percent of Americans are on social media, and the numbers jump significantly higher for people ages 18-49. The average person spends over 2 hours daily on social media, and over half of Americans say they get at least some of their news from social media sites. 

This tells us that social media is where people are, and we know that reaching people where they are is key to making an impact.

Bubbles and Algorithms

These days, there are so many options for people to get their news and information in addition to social media. Even on social media, people select who they follow, but they are also influenced by the algorithms from each site suggesting and nudging us all in certain directions and showing us certain content.

All of this can lead to “bubbles” where different groups end up with entirely different information and impressions on what is essential to focus on.

That’s why sharing and amplifying content to mobilize progressives and hold conservatives accountable online is so important. When you share content with your community, you help ensure people see messages and information they might not otherwise receive. Plus, your network is more expansive than you think. If you share something that catches the eye of someone you know, they could re-share it and reach an even larger audience.

In addition, by engaging with content on issues that matter to you and sharing and commenting, you are sending important information to the algorithm that people want to see this type of thing. So, when you share, you can reach people in your community and have an even broader impact by ensuring the social media algorithms share that type of content with others.

Reach and Impact

You can see the value in sharing content online to amplify important messages, but you might feel like you can’t make an impact. Well, I promise you can make a big difference. You don’t need to have a large following to make an impression. You never know who could see it and be affected themselves or share it with their network. Plus, even if you feel like everyone you know thinks similarly to you by sharing or commenting, you send signals to the algorithm that influences every user.

Amplify Your Voice

It’s more important than ever to mobilize progressives and hold conservatives accountable. You can help us by following us on social media, @ABetterMN on all platforms, and sharing our content far and wide. We also have an app called Megaphone, where you can effortlessly access a hub of relevant, trustworthy, progressive content to share with your friends and community across social media—you can read more about it here.

Before you leave to go start sharing progressive content on your favorite social media platform, make sure you sign up for our organizing email list to join our community of progressive Minnesotans working to make a real impact! Together, we can create a better, more equitable Minnesota.