As far as social media goes, I only use Facebook, I like it and am even addicted to it. I update it almost every day, and I enjoy it most of time.
I started using Facebook in 2009 due to a trip I would take to go to Bulgaria and Turkey with people I hadn't met prior to the trip. After that trip, using Facebook to share pictures for our journey was not only fun, but also very efficient for getting all the digital images located and filed. That was my initial experience, posting and sharing pictures, and it is still one of the main things I do on Facebook.
I take walks around my city, especially when the sun is out, I simply cannot stay indoor no more. I have to go for a good walk, either around the Lake or in the wooded parks. I love seeing the light hijacked the dark in the midst of the branches and the sunbeams show off the blinding splendor on the deep water. I take pictures, and I post them, with a haiku sometimes, or a word of Jilly goof.
I am a visual learner, and find the visual posts helpful and inspiring for me. I have some like minded friends that share stunning images that are either soothing or challenging for thoughts and inspiration. The key feature of Facebook fits well with the way I communicate on social media, generally speaking.
Sometimes I hear people criticizing how phony Facebook friendship is, and I understand where that can come from. I used to have more than 700 'friends' on my list, I don't even really talk to two thirds of them. I eventually unfriended people (now that is a walk of no fear of man, indeed.), and still I can dread of keeping 160 some friends right now. However, I do have some significant friendship kindled and cherished on line from Facebook. Most of them are not in town, or in the state. Furthermore, some friends are not even on the same Continent as I am. I have friends met on Facebook that traveled to meet with me and others; I have friends whom I talk with on the phone either regularly or from time to time. We share jokes, sorrows and even secrets. It is not fair to just criticize Facebook friendship cross the board, just because it's primarily on line and not in person. Of course, I wish I could connect with peeps in my city even better than I connect with some of my friends on Facebook. But it is what it is. Social media is just a tool, the motives and intention take things further and deeper if we want to cultivate them.
It has been a great tool for friends and family that live away to stay in contact, and to share encouragement, and even insights on life and philosophy.
However, I admit that I have not yet utilize the function of social media by large to look into things in greater scope, such as global issues, news and events that are outside of personal connection and relations. I rely more on journalism media for news and global events. I understand many people use social media differently and can have much different experience with it.
Since I started to go back to school, my world view has been expanding from my own little desk. I expect to look into this broader aspect of social media and other related topics I have come to be aware of. I am looking forward to reading more on social and cultural aspects of these things more as I learn on. That said, going back to school has been one of the best things in my life. I thoroughly encourage all to do it. Take advantage of the resource at the local community colleges, get out of the comfort zone and take a class or two!!
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