This study explores the roles of social media and their potential to become a robust tool for raising social consciousness, educating, informing, and preparing users to become active citizens through an increase in social engagement. Data were collected through individual interviews with 25 American students at Southern Illinois University (SIU). The findings demonstrate that using social media improves people's lives. In addition, social media can create a platform for citizens' voices to be heard that can positively impact their lives.