Social Media: FaceBook, Twitter (Tweet), Instagram: A Good thing or Bad?

We live in the age of information and most people have internet today. Understanding  social media is becoming more important as a means to stay in touch.  Using FaceBook, Twitter (Tweet), Instagram and other social media networks can be a good thing or bad.

As we get older we tend to not get out as much.  Many older individuals give up driving all together.  This generally means seeing less of both friends and families. Social media can help people feel connected to the world that has been reduced by the aging process.

Social media can be a true blessing with respect to reaching out to family and friends and seeing your friends and families latest pictures.  It has also become a common way for families to invite family and friends to celebrations or family gatherings. But many fail to realize that it is important to have a younger family member or friend set up your privacy settings.  It is important that when you interact with your friends and family that what you share is not being shared with the world.  In addition you should have only your friends and family and not an acquaintance (someone you know little about) in your circle. 

You should also be careful when you share something to your social media account.  Sometimes it can be embarrassing, because we think we are sharing something harmless and yet, when it is shared and it has links to sites with other websites, images, or political statements in complete opposition to your views on the world.  Sometimes it is better to save an image and then upload it to share it.  This way links to other sites or images are disabled.  These other sites may include pornography.  When you share any image you should identify the author or owner in the description.  This is especially true if you are sharing beautiful pictures that you yourself did not create.  If the photograph was taken by Joe’s Photography then you should give credit to Joe’s Photography.

Any images used in this article with respect to social media companies are the trademarks of their respective owners.  The purpose of using the images is to identify companies which are classified as social media companies which may or may not be all inclusive.

Enjoy social media.  Educate yourself and you should always use the help or support features of these sites so that your experience on them is safe and enjoyable.  If you do not know how a site works look for a “Help Center” or “Support Center”.