We are excited to announce that we have once again joined forces with Instagram and Cosmopolitan, the UK's leading media brand for young women, to introduce The Positivity Index 2021, an ultimate list of changemakers working hard to make social media and the wider world a better place.
The list of 24 people includes the likes of 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); Alex George, the former Love Island contestant turned government mental health adviser, who has worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic as a doctor; Oti Mabuse, who began leading online dance classes for kids when the lockdown first hit; and the author of Anti-Racist Ally and Millennial Black, Sophie Williams.
We are honored to be working with Instagram and Cosmopolitan again to raise awareness and celebrate those people who are working hard to make Instagram feeds and the world a brighter place.
Dan Raisbeck, Co-founder, The Cybersmile Foundation
The Positivity Index will be published in the May issue (available today) of Cosmopolitan, along with inspiration for aspiring changemakers and tips for people to get the most out of Instagram.
Quotes from individuals on The Positivity Index
Nicola Coughlan
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.
Nicola Coughlan
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.
Nicola Coughlan
Dr. Alex George
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.
Dr. Alex George
On his advice for starting your day right from the moment you wake up:
You're opening the doors to your day, and will be influenced by what you see. Set a happy tone offline first.
Dr. Alex George
Oti Mabuse
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].
Oti Mabuse
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.
Sophie Williams
The Positivity Index 2021
Below you'll find a list of creators recognized in this year's Positivity Index:
- Nicola Coughlan (@nicolacoughlan)
- Milly Pickles (@millypickles1)
- Sarah Lamptey (@sarahlamptey / @showerboxldn)
- Sophie Williams (@sophiewilliamsofficial / @officialmillennialblack)
- Wednesday Holmes (@hellomynameiswednesday)
- Dr. Alex George (@dralexgeorge)
- Maddy Lucy Dann @maddylucydann
- Carissa Potter Carlson (peopleiveloved)
- Oti Mabuse (@otimabuse)
- Professor Sarah Gilbert
- Stacie Swift (@stacieswift)
- Malin Andersson (@missmailinsara)
- Tilly Lockey (@tilly.lockey)
- Glory Edim (@guidetoglo) / (@wellreadblackgirl)
- Khalia Ismain (@khaliaismain / @ukjamii)
- Tori Tsui (@toritsui_)
- Dr. Kemi Fabusiwa (@dr.fab)
- Marcus Rashford (@marcusrashford)
- Izzie Rodgers (@izzierodgers)
- Dr. Joshua Wolrich (@drjoshuawolrich)
- Jemma Finch (@jemmafinch_) / (@storiesbehindthings)
- Ruby Stevenson (@rubyrare)
- Nina Tame (@nina_tame)
- Zeena Shah (@heartzeena)
Small acts of kindness can make a transformational impact on people, and this year's Positivity Index pays tribute to individuals who have inspired and empowered their communities.