Viral social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become part of our daily lives not because we like spending meaningless time but because many of us try to convince ourselves and others that we find something important in those channels. Do we? In reality, this is true, because, besides viral video clips and dance challenges, social media also has plenty of interesting content about mental health, how to find motivation, how to get inspired, and so on.

However, the problem in many cases is the source. It’s not a secret that people become influencers to earn a living, so it’s a new type of profession, which we have to accept. This brings some downfalls because some of those people may just prepare short video materials with less than enough research and thanks to their big audience, spread ideas that are not valid professionally or have a very small value.

To understand the level of social media influence, consider the fact that young people trust their favorite influencers more than celebrities, and probably even more than professional sources.

In this short guide, we will bring some ideas on how to find motivation and knowledge from valuable sources that have not been solely created for social media viewership.

Professional Websites and Forums for Gamers

If you’re trying to learn something new or dive deeper into a hobby, scrolling through social media might not be the best choice for skill improvements. Sure, influencers of the digital world might be entertaining, but when it comes to professional or in-detail education, many of them are probably not the most reliable sources of information.

Take online casino bonuses, for example. If you’re looking to maximize your gaming experience and potential winnings, you’re better off checking out reputable online casino sites rather than relying on tips and tricks floating around on social media. I don’t mean to say those are bad or incorrect, but they certainly do not provide enough space for comprehensive knowledge.

On the contrary, established online casino platforms have got all the juicy details, so to speak, you need to know, from the basic bonus types to advanced wagering requirements and strategies. This makes getting an online casino bonus easier than ever, with all the promotional information available at your fingertips. By really learning the specialized content, you’ll start to understand all the little nuances and details that make online casino bonuses such a crucial aspect of online gambling. And the best part is that such learning materials do not come alone, since many of these sites have forums and communities where casino enthusiasts may connect with each other, swap stories, and learn from each other’s experiences about maximizing bonus offers.

Audiobooks are Still (or Again) Popular

The rumors about books being out of fashion are completely invalid, especially after the growing popularity of audio versions of modern and classic literature. Although not very new, they’re still going strong, given the fact that many of us spend hours on end commuting or rocking our headphones. There’s just something about getting lost in a good audiobook that feels a lot like tuning into a captivating podcast, and probably there is truth in assumptions that audiobooks and podcasts influenced each other’s popularity, despite people liking their content in a video format nowadays.

But here’s the thing: Audiobooks have a secret weapon that sets them apart from the fleeting inspiration you might find in a social media video. They’re usually written by smart experts, like psychologists, researchers, and industry leaders who know their domain of interest inside and out. When you immerse yourself in the words of these authors, you’re not getting some surface-level advice but gaining valuable insights and actionable strategies for personal growth, motivation, and career development that go way beyond what you typically find on social media.

The success of audiobooks like “Atomic Habits” by James Clear or “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey speaks loudly about how people appreciate this format of learning and how effective they may be.

Finding Good Podcasts

As we already highlighted, podcasts, along with audiobooks, are an effective way to learn new things and get inspired. There are two news here, one of which is good and that’s the abundance of content you can find on streaming platforms like Apple Podcasts or Spotify. However, with so many podcasts out there, it can be a real challenge to filter what you need and what can contribute to your learning goals.

There are some obvious methods, of course, helping to find the right podcast, such as simple research about the host of the podcast, as well as the guests. This helps to determine whether the content is authoritative and trustworthy or mostly a collection of casual conversations. Once you find the first few podcasts compatible with your learning goals, the streaming platforms will suggest a lot of other options based on your interest, and this can be truly valuable, eventually, you will have your amazing catalog of inspirational and educational materials.

By putting together a playlist of carefully curated podcasts, you’re essentially creating your own personalized learning experience. You’ll be exposed to fresh ideas, have your assumptions challenged, and gain access to the tools you need to grow and succeed. And trust me, engaging with these professional sources of knowledge and inspiration is way more rewarding than mindlessly consuming promotional material or viral content on social media.