Jon Ronson - The great thing about social media was how it gave a voice to voiceless people

the Daily Quote

Welcome to The Daily Quote — a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, for June 30th.

Now, if you’re the type of person who’s checked your phone three times before your morning coffee, then congratulations — you're already celebrating today’s holiday. June 30th is Social Media Day.

Yes, the one day a year where your constant scrolling is technically a reason to celebrate. Social Media Day was launched by Mashable back in 2010 to recognize the impact social platforms have had on global communication. It’s a day to celebrate everything from viral TikToks to those Facebook birthday reminders that save us from social disgrace.

And with that, let’s check out today’s quote from Jon Ronson, who once said:

“The great thing about social media was how it gave a voice to voiceless people.”

Now, Jon Ronson is a journalist and author known for diving deep into the quirks of human behavior, and this quote hits right at the heart of what social media was supposed to be — a great equalizer. A global megaphone for anyone with a message, an idea, or a really strong opinion about pineapple on pizza. On Social Media Day, this quote is a reminder of what these platforms can do when they’re at their best. They can elevate unheard voices, spark movements, and build communities that would never exist otherwise.

Sure, sometimes they also bring us 12-minute conspiracy videos and unsolicited vacation photos, but hey — balance, right? So today, as you fire off your hot takes and memes into the digital void, think about how you're using your voice. Is it to uplift? To connect? Or just to complain about your Wi-Fi speed? Whatever it is, remember the power behind each post, tweet, or thread.

— and remember, even in 280 characters, your voice matters.

I remember back in 2010 when Mashable created Social Media day. I was doing a podcast back then about Social Media called The Bunker Project. We recently re-launched the show but now it is about AI and all of things that I just said about Social Media applies to AI. It is allowing people to do things they never could before. Helping with communication from helping with ideas to actually giving someone who lost their ability to speak their voice back.

It is a democratizing force that can be used for good or evil. It is neither good nor bad and how you use it is up to you. Just like everything else.

I'm Andrew McGivern, signing off for now, but I'll be back tomorrow - same pod time, same pod station with another Daily Quote.