I am a keen writer, and thoroughly enjoy writing a variety of articles across a broad range of topics (articles are readily accessible via my portifolio). The articles I have written to date predominately relate to the fields of politics, current affairs, social media and sport. I am keen to work with companies, organisations and individuals seeking such skills to assist them in adding value. I am currently living and working in China and thus have basic to intermediate mandarin ability (oral). My background in both ESL and business means I am particularly well placed to assist clients with projects. Looking forward to working with you! Social Media: Friend or Foe? 2nd February 2018 The musings of an expat living in China. By J.Wright The President of the United States now favours 'Twitter' over the conventional array of media outlets to make myriad policy announcements. Indeed, British Prime Minister David Cameron went as far as setting up a 'Weibo' account whilst on a trade tour to China. Theresa May, now dubbed 'Auntie May' by the local media, appears to be reaping the benefits of the new 'golden era' (a term used to express the new wave of trade ties between the UK and China). So, are we witnessing a new era with respect to the seemingly endless versatility social media can grace us with? Many say yes, others remain unconvinced. A few years ago, I read a Huffington Post article about the effect social media has on our mental health. It's central claim was that we should treat these new channels of communication with at least some degree of caution and scepticism. Gone are the days when people received a welcome yearly update on the lives of their peers and relatives in the form of a decorative Christmas card. Instead, we receive updates on eachothers lives with each revolution of the clock. With such direct comparison so readily available, at the mere click of a button, are we witnessing a ticking mental health time bomb? The writer's own view is that social media is a tool which can be harnessed for the greater good. Be it 'Facebook', 'Twitter' ('Sina Weibo' is the Chinese equivalent), 'Wechat', or even 'Linkedin', it is a phenomenon that has now become almost indispensable in our daily lives. What is the harm in that? Though, perhaps now is the perfect moment to take a step back and consider it's limitations (proven or potential), particularly where our mental health is concerned. Only in this way, can we strike a healthy balance between the clearly immeasurable convenience it offers us and our own, precious beyond belief, wellbeing. (The writer is currently an ESL teacher residing in Shenyang, China and majored in Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University of Warwick.)