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brafton.com
Leaving an away message on AOL Instant Messenger used to be
the one of the most simple and instant ways to update those on your
"friends list" with what you were up to. A simple, "With the
girls, text it!" “Away message” on AIM was enough to let your friends know
what you were doing. There would be no updates until you were finished and back
on your desktop computer.
Now a days, "being with the girls" is documented
by Snap Chats, Tweets, Facebook Updates, and Instagram posts directly from your
cell phone. So many people are wondering, is this instant and constant update
in our lives positive or negative?
It all depends on the user.
Social media is only as intrusive as you let it be. The responsibility of the user plays a crucial role in how social media affects one's friendships, professional relationships, and life. If you choose to update your 600 Facebook friends with your exact location and plans for the evening, that is your risk to take. On the other hand, the check-in feature can be a quick easy way to document memories with loved ones, and places you have been or are planning to go can be a fun conversation starter with your fellow users.
Privacy settings play a huge role on how "invasive" social media can be. With options to be seen by the public, your friends, or only you on many social media sites, you really are in control.
Social media has helped shape and cultivate many support groups, charity events, and fundraisers. Being able to participate in an event by donating or writing a message from the comfort of your own home is revolutionary. I would like to shine light on an extremely positive fundraiser I had personal online success with. In 2007 my uncle died tragically and unexpectedly. Facebook assisted in spreading the word of a fundraising event just after his passing. Without the use of Facebook, the hundreds of online donations would not have been made. Without the sharing of the post, these strangers from different states perhaps would not have heard my uncle's story. I am thankful for the ease and simplicity of sharing stories and getting feedback through social media.
Social media will continue to grow in the future, providing more instantaneous updates on our lives. Just a few years ago we were leaving away messages at our desktop. Now, I can talk with you face to face with the click of a button while out for coffee. I see the path of social media twisting and turning it's way even deeper into our lives whether we choose to accept it or not. More and more people are signing up with social accounts to stay connected with friends, colleagues, loved ones, and sometimes people we have never met. Being responsible and having online etiquette is essential for the safety of anyone using online accounts. I hope social media is continued to be used in a positive way.
It all depends on the user.
Social media is only as intrusive as you let it be. The responsibility of the user plays a crucial role in how social media affects one's friendships, professional relationships, and life. If you choose to update your 600 Facebook friends with your exact location and plans for the evening, that is your risk to take. On the other hand, the check-in feature can be a quick easy way to document memories with loved ones, and places you have been or are planning to go can be a fun conversation starter with your fellow users.
Privacy settings play a huge role on how "invasive" social media can be. With options to be seen by the public, your friends, or only you on many social media sites, you really are in control.
Social media has helped shape and cultivate many support groups, charity events, and fundraisers. Being able to participate in an event by donating or writing a message from the comfort of your own home is revolutionary. I would like to shine light on an extremely positive fundraiser I had personal online success with. In 2007 my uncle died tragically and unexpectedly. Facebook assisted in spreading the word of a fundraising event just after his passing. Without the use of Facebook, the hundreds of online donations would not have been made. Without the sharing of the post, these strangers from different states perhaps would not have heard my uncle's story. I am thankful for the ease and simplicity of sharing stories and getting feedback through social media.
Social media will continue to grow in the future, providing more instantaneous updates on our lives. Just a few years ago we were leaving away messages at our desktop. Now, I can talk with you face to face with the click of a button while out for coffee. I see the path of social media twisting and turning it's way even deeper into our lives whether we choose to accept it or not. More and more people are signing up with social accounts to stay connected with friends, colleagues, loved ones, and sometimes people we have never met. Being responsible and having online etiquette is essential for the safety of anyone using online accounts. I hope social media is continued to be used in a positive way.
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