Social Media for the Social Media Weary
In this day and age it’s pretty common to be connected to some form of social media…
Blogs, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, LinkedIn…social media sites are everywhere. As shocking as it may be to some of us social media addicts, not everyone is a fan. Through my years on various sites, I’ve found that some people just are unsure how to navigate the world of social media and keep things they hold dear (like children) safe, private and protected. So today I am going to share with you four quick and easy little things I’ve picked up along the way that go a tad beyond your basic privacy settings. I am in no way an expert on Social Media, just your average tech lovin social junkie 🙂
1. Use nicknames! Just like we have user names in the gallery and forums here, most social media sites give you an option to pick a user name. With a very few exceptions, you don’t have to use your real name. This even applies to the profile URL for sites like Facebook and Pinterest. Get creative and unique! This can be carried over to your captions and how you address members of your family. If you follow me on any social sites, you’ll often see me refer to my daughter as Miss Moo. This is a well known nickname she has had for most her life. I wouldn’t use something private that perhaps only family and close friends use!
2. Share what you love. There are no set rules to follow on most social sites. If you are still completely uncomfortable sharing photos of your family, go ahead share a photo of your coffee each morning or the book you’re currently reading. It’s your account, do and share what you like!
3. Creative Cropping. Use your scrapbookers eye! You can easily take a photo and crop it to show what you are comfortable sharing AND still share the moment or emotion you want it to have. Check your various app stores, there are many free and low cost apps available for most devices that crop beyond the traditional square size.
4. Hashtag with caution. I’m sure by now most of you know I love hashtags, but use them with caution. I will often search hashtags on Instagram before I even post a photo to see the other images that will come up. If I see a ton of things I don’t want to associate with my photo then I won’t use it.
If all else fails…
TRUST YOUR GUT!
Until next time, keep sharing (SAFELY) and hashtagging!
