THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Tag Archives: dailyprompt-1914


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Don’t let it use you

The daily prompt wants to know – How do you use social media?

First rule of social media with me is to use it and not let it use me. I like some social media, like WordPress and Zenfolio. My blogging and photography sites. I work on them often and enjoy them very much.

I have a Facebook account, but I try to use that less and less each day. I keep track of old neighborhood, school and work friends through that tool. Also enjoying some comedy clips and other humor like cartoons. Oh, and the car club and event meet ups and things at the beach for my pilgrimages there.

I used to use LinkedIn when I was working a bit. Now the only time I check in with it is with an old friend who might be having a work anniversary or new job.

YouTube is something I enjoy for music and comedy as well as the occasional karma video just to reinforce that some balance in the universe exists.

I believe I have an Instagram account and Flicker one but I don’t use them. I should delete them.

I’m proud to say I’ve NEVER done Twitter or X.

I’ve used Reddit from time to time because I’ve found good advice/information on things.

I use email a lot because I enjoy writing to friends and family often. I guess I got that from my mother, she was an avid writer. That’s social, isn’t it?

I’ll go with the short stack of pancakes this morning.

Photo by Mike Hartley


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Post it

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.

Post It Salad. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Use it, don’t abuse it

How do you use social media? – Ask the Daily Writing prompt.

I use it to keep in touch with people some people I grew up with, worked with and some hobbies and interest I have. I like to write and photograph so I share that through blogging. I like to watch videos now and then and sometimes create a few.

I used to use it professionally more but now it’s keeping up with professionals in the creative interest I have instead of the technical track I had.

Use social media. Don’t let it use you.

It’s easy to get lost in videos. It’s easy to think that some of these people are real friends. It’s easy to think your more important than someone else based likes. It’s easy to trust but so easy to be deceived. Its easy to have your face buried in a screen and be missing REAL LIFE.

And while thinking through this I realize I need to get a better balance and get to get to actual LIVING instead of in front of the computer so much.

I worry about our youth who didn’t grow up without it first to know what balance is.

Look away from the phone and love your pet or someone else. Photo by Mike Hartley