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#atoz challenge - 4/15/2017 - "Changes"

4/4/2017

6 Comments

 
M is for media - social, that is
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Where would we be today without social media?  The many tools of the internet have allowed us to become bloggers, journalists, photographers, all without special training or education or a large amount of money for marketing.  

Social media allows us to chronicle our daily lives, our thoughts, our leanings and push them into the social stratosphere that has become our world.

In the beginning was Facebook.  Who knew that this simple program would become the mainstay of our lives? How we would communicate with everyone in our lives?  Want to locate an old school buddy?  Facebook is your friend.  Want to wish your best friend Happy Birthday?  Facebook is your friend.  Want to announce to the world that you're expecting?  Facebook is your friend.  Facebook has become the go-to tool for communicating outside of the workplace.  Although, most companies utilize Facebook as an integral part of their marketing plan.  

Since Facebook, many new mediums have been established.  Twitter, Instagram, just to name a couple.  The list goes on and on.

For those who want to write as a profession without working in the established workforce, there is the blogging platform.  WordPress and Blogger started the journey.  Now, there are dozens of blogging platforms available to anyone who has something to say.  I started with blogger and still use it for my personal blog.  User friendly and free.  What more could you ask for?

The next social media explosion was Pinterest.  Have a hobby?  You can spend hours on Pinterest, enjoying everything from gardening to organizing to traveling and everything in between.  It's addictive.  The term pinning it to my board has become commonplace.

Of course, I can't forget Youtube.  A video platform, it has allowed even the youngest "expert" to post how-to videos.  Need to know how to replace something.  It's on Youtube.  The entire world is on Youtube.  I confess, when I'm searching out new campgrounds, I search Youtube to look for videos.  A campground that has youtube vids will attract my attention more than one who doesn't.  With smart phones, anyone can post a video nowadays.  The popular thing on Youtube is to have your own channel with followers.  My favorite rv bloggers post videos regularly and I enjoy watching them.  Hubby watches his hosts with their vaping channels.

Of course, my favorite is the one  you're on now.  Websites.  Websites used to be challenging to say the least.  They were run by coding and could only be done by IT nerds.  Nowadays, it's easy enough to get a website template and build your own website for very little money, or even free.  Weebly is my go to for websites.  Easy to use and personalize.

So there you have social media in a small time capsule.  I wonder sometimes if we have forgotten to communicate with each other because of  the proximity of social media and I include texting in that.  Too often, I've seen people text each other - in the same room - because it was easier than opening their mouth to speak.

So, my question is, do you think social media is a godsend or a curse?  Let me know what you think.

6 Comments
Stephanie link
4/15/2017 05:33:10 pm

I have cared for children for the past 23 years in my home daycare setting and I can verify that children nowadays in the early childhood bracket are craving conversations in an extreme way. I have children running inside my door each morning ready to tell me their latest news. And it's long, drawn out, and very detailed. Our mealtimes are family style and it's become (compared to when I first started this profession) the highlight of their day. Forget outside play, they want to talk. Social media is a good thing for those of us who need adult conversation. But it's leaving the children behind.

Reply
Marion Westerling
4/16/2017 08:43:16 am

I agree with you Stephanie. I see too many kids sitting for hours on their electronic toys, never speaking a word. I think it sets a dangerous precedent.

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Heidi
4/15/2017 10:44:16 pm

I am a huge texter, but it's because I'm awful on the phone with my bad hearing. Social media is so crazy sometimes.....I've made a point of not looking at my phone for the first hour I wake up, just to start my day with peace!
Heidi at, <a href="http://decibelmemos.com/">Decibel Memos</a> (Perspectives absent of sound)

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Marion Westerling
4/16/2017 08:44:41 am

In your case, it absolutely makes sense. I also text, but on most occasions I prefer a phone call. But I know I'm a dinosaur. :)

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Emily Bloomquist link
4/17/2017 10:43:38 am

Without Facebook, I would have no idea what my cousin's kids look like much less what they are doing. Former coworkers around the world would have become memories without Facebook. Now, we know what each other is doing and keep in touch.

Social media really has made the world feel smaller.

Emily | My Life in Ecuador | Nurturing Owl Parents http://emilbloo.blogspot.com

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Marion Westerling
4/17/2017 08:03:09 pm

Very true!

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