How do you leverage social media for personal growth or learning?

Social media platforms offer more than just entertainment—they can be powerful tools for personal growth. This article presents insights from field experts on how to harness social networks for self-improvement. Discover strategies to transform your daily scroll into a valuable learning experience.

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  • Challenge Assumptions with Diverse Perspectives
  • Learn Language Skills Through Short Videos
  • Curate Content to Spark Innovative Thinking
  • Use Social Media for Self-Reflection
  • Leverage YouTube for Personal Development
  • Follow Thought Leaders for Fresh Insights
  • Transform Feed into a Growth Engine
  • Access Experts and Real-Time Industry Shifts
  • Connect with Industry Leaders for Continuous Learning
  • Filter Social Media for Focused Growth
  • Build Relationships Through Meaningful Discussions
  • Gain Fresh Leadership Perspectives on LinkedIn
  • Turn Daily Scroll into Bite-Sized Lessons
  • Implement Digital Consilience Sessions
  • Observe Market Trends to Evolve Strategies
  • Curate a Living Library of Expertise
  • Discover Life Hacks from Trusted Accounts
  • Stay Informed on Healthcare Innovation
  • Strategically Develop Feeds for Self-Improvement

Challenge Assumptions with Diverse Perspectives

I use social media to deliberately find people who think differently than I do—echo chambers are the death of real learning, so I actively seek out creators who challenge my assumptions and make me uncomfortable.

On LinkedIn especially, I’ve found incredible value in watching how leaders in completely different industries solve problems, which has given me unexpected ideas I’ve applied to my own business and life. Instead of just consuming content, I make it a point to test one new idea every week from someone I follow—this forces me to actually implement rather than just scroll endlessly.

If I had to recommend just one account to follow, it would be Tasleem Ahmad Fateh—his ability to break down complex concepts with simple analogies completely changed how I communicate with my own audience, and he consistently publishes high-quality, actionable content without the guru BS that plagues most platforms.

Luke Matthews, Founder, AI Writing made EASY

Learn Language Skills Through Short Videos

TikTok has been huge for me—not just for UGC but for learning. I follow @englishbygiovana for quick pronunciation tips and slang breakdowns. Her short videos help me sound more natural when I film in English. I watch them while I do my makeup or cook, so I’m practicing without even thinking about it.

Also, I use Instagram to save mini tutorials on editing, hooks for scripts, and even parenting hacks. My “Saved” folder is like my personal library. It’s not about spending hours scrolling—it’s more about grabbing quick ideas that I can use that same day. Social media is my classroom now, just in bite-sized pieces.

Natalia Lavrenenko, UGC manager/Marketing manager, Rathly

Curate Content to Spark Innovative Thinking

Transform your social feed from a distraction into a learning engine by deliberately curating content that challenges your thinking rather than confirms it.

I’ve coached our marketing team to spend 20 minutes each Monday replacing two entertainment accounts with industry thought leaders outside our immediate specialty. The impact on cross-functional collaboration has been remarkable—our content strategists now regularly incorporate analytics insights they wouldn’t have encountered in their usual circles.

I’ve found that the real growth happens not from passive consumption but from actively engaging with ideas through thoughtful comments and connections. We recently implemented a practice of sharing one valuable insight from social media learning in our weekly team meetings, which has introduced numerous innovative approaches to client campaigns. While most professionals scroll mindlessly during breaks, intentionally following hashtags relevant to adjacent industries provides fresh perspectives you won’t find in your normal professional bubble.

Social media learning is most powerful when you balance specialized knowledge with broader thinking—I recommend following Adam Grant on LinkedIn, whose research-backed posts consistently challenge conventional wisdom about workplace psychology and motivation.

Aaron Whittaker, VP of Demand Generation & Marketing, Thrive Digital Marketing Agency

Use Social Media for Self-Reflection

As a Google Verified Internet Personality, I use social media as both a visibility platform for brand partnerships and a mirror for personal awareness. I occasionally cross-post content related to my books–often quotes meant to brighten someone’s day—but I rarely engage with feedback. For me, growth happens not in the comments, but in the clarity behind the post.

I often ask: Am I posting to connect, or to be approved? That question alone reveals so much—especially for those of us with unhealed inner child wounds. The need to be seen, liked, or validated online often traces back to times we didn’t feel seen in real life. Social media can trigger those patterns—but it can also help us work through them.

I rarely follow accounts for advice, but I save content from @thegoodquote when it resonates emotionally. My advice? Don’t just focus on what you post. Observe why you’re posting. What are you hoping to receive? When you get honest with yourself, your content becomes more grounded—and so does your relationship with your platform.

Susye Weng-Reeder, CEO | Google Verified Public Figure | Author | Creator, Susye Weng-Reeder, LLC

Leverage YouTube for Personal Development

Social media platforms serve as transformative tools for ongoing education and professional advancement. I personally use social media to stay updated on the latest content marketing trends, discover new perspectives, and even pick up skills through expert-led video content. Users find LinkedIn useful for building professional networks and establishing thought leadership, while YouTube offers detailed tutorials and deeper insights beyond basic guidance.

My top recommendation for a single resource would be Lavendaire with Aileen Xu on YouTube. Aileen Xu’s YouTube channel, Lavendaire, doesn’t focus on marketing directly but offers valuable insights into personal development and creative mindfulness practices. Content marketers and professionals from all fields need to keep their inspiration alive and their creativity strong to match their trend-following efforts. Plus, her videos have a calming, motivational energy that helps reset your focus when you’re feeling stuck.

Katarina Mirković Arsić, Content Marketing Manager, Recharge Health

Follow Thought Leaders for Fresh Insights

Social media can be a powerful tool for personal growth if you’re intentional about what you consume. I use it to stay sharp on emerging trends, learn from peers, and expose myself to perspectives outside my own industry bubble. It’s less about scrolling and more about curating a feed that challenges and informs me.

One resource I recommend: Tom Goodwin (@tomfgoodwin) on LinkedIn and X. He consistently shares thought-provoking takes on marketing, innovation, and how we interpret tech trends. His posts often push you to think beyond surface-level tactics and ask better questions—something that’s invaluable in any growth journey.

Keith Kakadia, CEO and Founder, Sociallyin

Transform Feed into a Growth Engine

Social media can be a useful tool for personal development when utilized with purpose. The key is to focus on accounts and posts that provide real-world insights and encourage actual action.

One account to follow is Brene Brown. She teaches us about vulnerability, courage, and leadership, and how to develop emotional resilience and deeper relationships with others. Her style combines research and practical application, making it easy to apply her teachings to everyday life.

Simon Sinek is another excellent source. His books about leadership and finding your “why” have had a profound effect on individuals and organizations. His blogs are written to give you clarity on your purpose, improve your relationships, and lead with authenticity.

To truly benefit from social media, it’s important to follow thought leaders who inspire growth and prompt changes in thinking. By curating your feed with these types of pages, social media can become a powerful tool for self-improvement and personal transformation.

Tony Nutley, Founder & CEO, UK College of Personal Development

Access Experts and Real-Time Industry Shifts

Social media, when used intentionally, is one of the most powerful tools for personal growth and continuous learning. It offers direct access to experts, insights, and real-time industry shifts—all in digestible formats. I personally use platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) not just for networking or branding, but as curated learning environments. The key is following the right voices and engaging with content that challenges your thinking or sharpens your skill set.

One account I always recommend is Gary Vaynerchuk. Gary’s content is a goldmine when it comes to personal growth, business mindset, and brand building. He breaks down complex entrepreneurial lessons into actionable insights. Whether he’s talking about the value of patience, creating content at scale, or the future of marketing, his delivery is both motivational and practical. His emphasis on self-awareness, empathy, and long-term thinking has helped shape how I lead and scale teams—especially in high-pressure agency environments.

What makes Gary stand out is that he doesn’t just speak theory—he’s built real businesses and continues to execute at scale. His approach to content, especially the idea of “documenting vs. creating,” has influenced how I encourage both personal and brand storytelling online. For any CEO or founder looking to expand their personal brand or learn modern marketing principles, his content is worth studying.

In short, social media is only as valuable as the intent behind its use. Follow creators who push you to think bigger, and treat your feed like a digital mentorship space. You’ll be surprised how much clarity and inspiration it can bring to your growth journey.

Jitudan Gadhavi, Founder at Brand White Label Solutions, Brand White Label Solutions

Connect with Industry Leaders for Continuous Learning

Social media has been such a powerful tool for me, not only for growing our brand but also for personal growth and learning. It’s amazing how many resources and communities there are on platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter where you can connect with relevant experts and continue on the journey of self-growth through learning!

I’m constantly learning by following industry leaders and experts in digital marketing, content creation, and social media strategy. Two accounts I’d highly recommend are @socialmediaexaminer and @marketingweek. These are really great accounts that help keep you in the loop on what’s going on in social media and what is happening in the advertising landscape.

Social media gives me a chance to learn from people I admire, and it’s honestly been one of the best tools for professional development!

Breanna Hendry, Social Media Marketing Director, Minky Couture

Filter Social Media for Focused Growth

I use social media as a space for learning and staying sharp, especially in a dual role that spans both marketing and people operations. With things changing constantly, whether it’s how teams work or how buyers make decisions, I’ve found value in curating my feed very intentionally.

Instead of following hundreds of voices, I narrowed it down to a short list of people who consistently share useful, experience-based insights. Not just trends or inspiration, but real lessons from the field. That shift alone made my time online more focused and useful.

One account I recommend is Hung Lee. He curates the Recruiting Brainfood newsletter, but his LinkedIn posts go beyond hiring. He talks openly about leadership, remote culture, and mistakes companies make. It’s relatable, not polished, and that’s what makes it stick.

Something I also do that’s helped me grow? I read the comment sections. That’s where the unfiltered stuff shows up. I’ll often join in, ask questions, and have casual exchanges with people who’ve solved the exact challenges we’re facing. It’s low-pressure but high-value learning.

Social media doesn’t have to be noise. When you approach it as a filter instead of a feed, it becomes one of the easiest ways to grow without carving out extra hours.

Vikrant Bhalodia, Head of Marketing & People Ops, WeblineIndia

Build Relationships Through Meaningful Discussions

Social media functions as an exceptionally powerful tool for personal growth and education, offering effective utilization. I use LinkedIn and Twitter to stay informed about industry trends and build relationships with experts while engaging in productive discussions that broaden my intellectual horizons. My efforts to find valuable content and hold meaningful conversations, combined with sharing my insights, have resulted in growing my personal brand and gaining new inspiration through social media. Social media provides opportunities for people to build relationships and share information while maintaining their commitment to achieving personal learning goals.

According to my recommendation, you should follow Neil Patel. Every writer who wants to learn about digital marketing, personal branding, and SEO should access his content. The instructional tips combined with simplified explanations of advanced tactics provided by Neil Patel work effectively for experts at any level. The digital environment benefits from your motivation and information, as well as personal development, by following accounts like his.

Tez Ferguson, Founder, Xploited Media

Gain Fresh Leadership Perspectives on LinkedIn

I use social media to stay current with industry trends, learn new leadership techniques, and gain fresh perspectives. One platform that has been invaluable to me is LinkedIn, where I follow leaders like Simon Sinek, whose content on purpose-driven leadership has influenced how I approach management. Sinek’s posts challenge me to think about leadership beyond results, focusing on the people behind the business. This has shaped how I interact with my team and has helped drive a more engaged, motivated workplace. Social media is a great resource for personal growth, offering access to a diverse range of thought leaders and real-time learning.

Kyle Sobko, Chief Executive Officer / Marketing Specialist, SonderCare

Turn Daily Scroll into Bite-Sized Lessons

I use social media, especially LinkedIn, as a microlearning tool by curating a feed of thought leaders, trusted sources, and diverse voices who ground their insights in research. This helps me avoid the echo chamber effect while turning my daily scroll into a stream of bite-sized lessons, trends, and fresh perspectives. It’s a quick and easy way to stay informed and inspired without needing large blocks of time. A go-to resource of mine is Harvard Business Review. They balance research-backed insights with practical takeaways. Over time, this habit has become a low-friction way to keep my thinking sharp and my knowledge current.

Steven Starks, Career Coach, The Muse

Implement Digital Consilience Sessions

I use social media for professional development, and my approach centers on:

Social media growth methodology: I implement content segmentation and platform-specific dashboards (TweetDeck for Twitter/X, specialized LinkedIn feeds) that separate learning content from general updates.

Recommended resource: Follow Balaji Srinivasan (@balajis) across platforms. His analysis integrates technological forecasting with network theory applications for professional advancement. His “Network State” concept demonstrates how digital communities transform into career acceleration networks.

Specific practice: Implement “Digital Consilience Sessions”—20-minute blocks where you combine insights across unrelated fields.

Example: I track AI developments in healthcare alongside remote work trends, and it has provided valuable insights. Transferable team coordination protocols are now implemented in our distributed workforce.

A forward-looking technique gaining traction is neural network-style content mapping. Create visualization boards connecting concepts across platforms using spatial arrangement with software like Miro. This will transform fragmented information into actionable knowledge frameworks.

Adrien Kallel, CEO & Co-Founder, 8+ years Tech Entrepreneur, Marketing, Management (Remote teams) and Recruitment Expert, RemotePeople

Observe Market Trends to Evolve Strategies

In the real estate recruiting and HR tech space, I use social media as a way to stay sharp on industry trends, recruiter behavior, and emerging hiring challenges. Platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter are especially valuable for following thought leaders in real estate, recruitment, and workplace tech. I pay close attention to how brokerages are positioning themselves to attract talent and how recruiters are adapting to market shifts—this directly informs how we evolve our platform.

One account I recommend following is Chris Walker, who shares no-nonsense insights on B2B marketing and demand generation. While not real estate-specific, his content is incredibly relevant when thinking about how to create pipelines—whether you’re selling software or attracting agents. His marketing approach aligns well with what we’re building: clear, targeted, and driven by real-world conversations.

Social media isn’t just about promotion—it’s a daily opportunity to observe, learn, and adapt faster than the market.

Chris Giannos, Co-Founder & CEO, Humaniz

Curate a Living Library of Expertise

I began using Twitter (now X) less as a scrolling platform and more as a curation platform for information specific to my industry by following niche professionals—urban horticulturists or regenerative landscaping experts. I kept my feed flowing with new techniques, case studies, and research. One account I’ve come to find incredibly useful is @Soil_Biology, which posts digestible summaries of soil health science, often linking science to practice. I save posts to bookmarks to refer to them and be able to pass the ideas on directly to our client gardens, particularly where I am trying more sustainable, no-dig methods. You are what you follow, so treat social media like a living library: curate what you consume, prune often, and engage to continue the learning process.

Samuel Davis, CEO or OWNER, London Gardeners

Discover Life Hacks from Trusted Accounts

Many of the life hacks I currently use have come from people I follow on X.com. I have discovered numerous resources for helpful advice, ranging from natural health tips to assisting my sons in improving their athleticism to prepare for college baseball and football.

Based on my hundreds of interactions, X is effective at presenting content that I can consume quickly and bookmark for follow-up research.

I follow an account called Garage Strength (https://x.com/GarageStrength) for strength and athletic improvement tips for my sons, and I follow a naturopath lecturer named Barbara O’Neill (https://x.com/BarbaraOneillAU) and use her suggestions to address specific health issues (especially inflammation) in my family. Through experience, I have learned to trust the advice provided by both of these accounts.

Richard Robbins, Co-Founder, RobbinsAthletics.com

Stay Informed on Healthcare Innovation

Social media functions as an excellent platform for self-improvement if users develop their feeds strategically. I use LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) to remain informed about healthcare innovation, leadership strategy, and regulatory updates related to the industry. Social media networks enable users to get instant information about digital health, revenue cycle management, and patient engagement leaders.

Dr. Eric Topol (@EricTopol on X) maintains one of the essential accounts for your attention. The content he publishes delivers contemporary insights about digital medicine together with AI in healthcare and patient-oriented innovation. Observing leading experts such as him assists Enable Healthcare in implementing technology-based solutions that deliver improved results for healthcare providers and patients.

Peter Silas, CEO, Enable Healthcare

Strategically Develop Feeds for Self-Improvement

Social media offers an effective platform for gaining personal development and learning continuously when people use their resources purposefully. I utilize LinkedIn and Twitter as platforms to track up-to-date information about financial trends and consumer patterns alongside digital marketing developments. These platforms present brief knowledge pieces alongside expert talks as well as instantaneous updates which improve both my understanding and my judgment abilities.

Instagram users should follow @thebudgetmom because it offers highly valuable content. She breaks down complex financial habits into concise implementation steps that anyone can practice. She provides real-life financial advice about budgeting and spending with a practical approach that directly supports our purpose of helping people use their money efficiently in daily life.

Bhavin Swadas, Founder, Squeal My Deal

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