Why We Love Social Media

Social media has completely changed the way we communicate with each other. Maybe we’re guilty of accidentally referring to our friends by their Twitter handles in real life; spending all week finding the perfect photo for #ThrowbackThursday; doing something cool, just so that you can Instagram it; or using the word “Instagram” as a verb.

(I can just envision my former English teachers sighing in unison as they mark 10 points off this blog post.)

For those of you still wondering what all the fuss is about, don’t worry, we have a class for that. It’s the new Social Media course offered by Florida Virtual School. Students are not going to learn how to navigate Facebook or how to use a hashtag. Instead, students will be learning how to discern fact from fiction on the Web, why their voice and ideas matter, and how they can use social media to change the world.

If you think social media is only for teens and young adults, think again. Here are a few things we can all appreciate. It’s a place to keep memories. Social media is like a hoarder. That means when you give it a photo or an update on your life it catalogs it, organizes it, and keeps it forever. That’s good news when you want to remember what you did last weekend or pull up your summer vacation photos to show Grandma Jean. But, it could be bad news if you have ever shared something you later regretted. Our advice? Never post anything on the Internet that you wouldn’t want printed on a 100-foot billboard.

It’s not one-size-fits all. There’s more to social media than Facebook, Twitter, or even Instagram. There are social media sites for nearly everyone, including book readers, music listeners, fitness enthusiasts, and knitters. There’s probably even a social media site for Zumba-loving, left-handed gamers who also happen to be good at baking. (Let us know when you find it, okay?)  It’s helping change the world. Whether it’s raising awareness about equality, reaching out to estranged family, or just finding a network of support on a weight-loss journey, social media allows us to connect with others in new, innovative, and inspiring ways. Check out Facebook Stories to read about how others are using social media to accomplish some pretty amazing things. Caution: you might want to grab a box of tissues ahead of time.

So, what do you love about social media?

Post by Jennifer Balserait, Former Curriculum Creative Manager & Writer