THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Tag Archives: social media


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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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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