The Impact of Social Media on Cultural Traditions

I’ve always been fascinated by how traditions evolve. They’ve been passed down for generations, often staying consistent for decades, if not centuries. But lately, I can’t help but notice how much social media is shaping—and sometimes reshaping—the way we celebrate, preserve, and even share our cultural traditions.

At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. I mean, social media has this strange way of turning everything into trends, making even the most meaningful moments feel fleeting. But as I started looking closer, I realized something: social media isn’t replacing traditions; it’s amplifying them. It’s giving people the chance to celebrate, share, and reinvent cultural practices in ways that feel more connected and inclusive than ever before.

Preserving Traditions in the Digital Age

One of the things I love about social media is how it helps preserve traditions that might otherwise fade away. Whether it’s videos of intricate henna designs, reels of traditional dances, or tutorials on cooking family recipes, social media has turned cultural practices into shareable moments.

Take TikTok, for example. I’ve seen creators teaching viewers about forgotten traditions—like the significance of Indigenous rituals or the history behind certain African hairstyles. Suddenly, these once-local customs are reaching global audiences, and people are learning and appreciating traditions they might never have encountered otherwise.

For me, it’s even helped bring my own culture closer to home. I recently stumbled on a YouTube channel where a woman cooked recipes from my grandparents’ region, complete with step-by-step instructions and stories about the dishes. Watching it felt like sitting with my grandmother in her kitchen again—a connection I didn’t even know I needed.

Making Traditions Shareable

Of course, social media also makes traditions more visible—sometimes in ways that are equal parts inspiring and, well, complicated. Think about major cultural celebrations like Diwali, Lunar New Year, or Día de los Muertos. Platforms like Instagram have turned these events into visual feasts, with vibrant photos, videos, and hashtags that make it easy to join in, even from afar.

On one hand, I think this visibility is beautiful. It’s like a window into different cultures, showing people the colors, music, and meanings behind these traditions. For someone living far from home—like many immigrants or expats—this online visibility can feel like a lifeline.

But here’s where it gets tricky: social media can also blur the line between appreciation and appropriation. When traditions go viral, sometimes the cultural context gets lost, turning something sacred into just another trend. I’ve seen people copy traditional clothing or dances without understanding their significance, and that’s where social media’s double-edged nature really comes through.

Reimagining Traditions for a Modern World

One of the most exciting things, though, is how social media allows younger generations to reinterpret traditions in their own way. Instead of rejecting “old” customs, they’re remixing them.

I’ve seen weddings where couples incorporate traditional elements but share every moment on Instagram Stories, giving family members halfway across the world a chance to feel included. I’ve seen people reimagine traditional dances with modern music and viral choreography, breathing new life into something timeless.

Even festivals are evolving. For example, during the pandemic, I remember seeing people celebrate cultural events virtually. Families hosted Eid dinners over Zoom, shared virtual Passover Seders, and even celebrated Holi by sending colorful videos and photos to one another. It made me realize that while the format of traditions might change, their spirit stays the same.

Social Media: A Tool, Not a Replacement

I think the most important thing to remember is that social media is just a tool. It’s not here to replace traditions; it’s here to amplify them. Whether it’s helping people stay connected to their roots, teaching others about cultural customs, or allowing traditions to evolve for a modern world, social media has made it easier than ever to celebrate who we are.

At the same time, it’s on us to use that tool responsibly. Sharing cultural traditions online comes with a responsibility to preserve their meaning, give credit where it’s due, and make sure appreciation doesn’t turn into appropriation.

A World Connected Through Culture

In the end, I think social media has created something incredible: a world where cultural traditions can be shared, celebrated, and preserved across borders. I can learn about someone else’s culture with a quick scroll, and someone halfway across the globe can connect with mine.

For me, that’s the magic of it all. Traditions, at their core, are about connection—to our past, to our communities, and to each other. Social media, for all its flaws, has given us one more way to strengthen those connections. And honestly, I think our traditions are better for it.