Our friends at The Cybersmile Foundation have once again teamed up with Cosmopolitan and Instagram to bring some positivity to your social feeds with The Positivity Index 2021. The ultimate list of changemakers working hard to make social media and the wider world a better place.
It features a list of 24 people including:
Premier League Footballer, Marcus Rashford, who used his platform to raise awareness and funds for families experiencing food poverty.
Bridgerton actress, Nicola Coughlan, who is a fierce crusader for equal rights and the ambassador for LauraLynn House (Ireland’s only children’s hospice).
On how it can be difficult using your voice, but ultimately well worth it: “Sometimes people will go, ‘Well, why don’t you care about this or that too?’ – there are so many worthy causes to champion, it can be overwhelming, but I can’t know everything about everything. I just try to hold myself to my own standards and do my best.”
On how she tries to keep upbeat during the pandemic: “I try to focus on the positives, like being able to spend more time with my family.”
Alex George, the former Love Island contestant, turned government mental health adviser, who has worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic as a doctor.
On his advice for starting your day right from the moment you wake up: “I post a lot about self-care routines – we need positive and uplifting messaging online.”
On his advice for avoiding looking at your phone for an hour first thing in the morning: “You’re opening the doors to your day, and will be influenced by what you see. Set a happy tone offline first.”
Oti Mabuse, who began leading online dance classes for kids when the lockdown first hit.
On wanting to help people when lockdown first hit:
“I felt strongly about giving back, but a doctor told me the best thing I could do was to stay home, so I started online dance classes for kids with my friend Karen [Hauer].”
The author of Anti-Racist Ally and Millennial Black, Sophie Williams.
On lending your voice for change on socials:
“Post about the things that matter to you. It’s really important you don’t feel like you’re too small to make a change.”
The full Positivity Index will be published in the May issue of Cosmopolitan, along with inspiration for aspiring changemakers and tips for people to get the most out of Instagram.