How do you use social media? – An interesting question from the daily writing prompt.

Ah, maybe they should have asked how does social media use you? Just kidding but it’s a thought.

Anyway, I’m on a few things but I try not to overdue any of them. Blogging is my dominate social media activity along with my photo site on Zenfolio, that I’m always building out. I do a lot of reading online and blogs are a good percentage.

I have a Facebook account but I’m trying to spend less and less time there. And I only share with a couple of private groups there like my car club and the two companies where I worked for decades for alumni groups.

I’ve never had a Twitter, X or any of those type of social media apps. I have an Instagram account, but I believe I have one or two images there. Not something I’m pursuing now.

I have a LinkedIn account but being retired I use it far less.

I do get lost in YouTube videos from time to time. Comedy, educational, music, news. I’m going to try to make more videos myself in the coming years.

I enjoy watching sunrises and sunsets from the Ocean City Maryland webcams each day. There is a dozen or so to choose from and it’s a great way to start and complete a day.

Opinion – I’m older and grew up without all the phones and computers and games. And I think that was a very important part of my life because it gave me a balance when I became involved in technology for several decades as an adult.

I worry about the effects on young people. The emphasis and importance placed on it and those people interacted with is entirely out of proportion. It’s very addictive and easy to get lost in.

My real close friends and family rarely interact through social media. But we communicate often and directly through text, email, phone calls and direct meetings.

People measuring things through the number of Facebook friends, followers or likes are shorting themselves. Yes, you can build some wonderful contacts and sometimes develop some real friendships in social media. But you shouldn’t measure yourself that way.

Real life exists outside those devices.

I think our local school system just banned smartphones in school. I agree with this move.