Social media for beginners
08 Apr 2020
The great thing about technology is it can connect you to loved ones and make basic tasks just plain easier. Often all you need is to be pointed in the right direction to get the most from the internet and your devices.
Many of us would like to be tech savvy, but need a bit of help. You might know how to send an email, but how do you ‘friend’ someone on Facebook?
We take a look at the top social media platforms and how you can use them to stay connected.
Facebook allows you to create a profile and collect “friends”, with whom you can publicly or privately swap stories, news and photos. You can also use it to send private messages from your computer or phone.
Facebook is a great platform if you want see what your friends and family are up to. It’s generally recommended you don’t “friend” anyone you don’t know in real life, and there are a number of privacy settings that allow you to control who sees what you post.
Instagram is primarily a photo and video sharing platform. Unlike Facebook, Instagram does not require both parties to “friend” one another before a connection is made. Instead, users “follow” each other. This can be reciprocated or not.
Instagram is a great tool if you want to see, like and comment on photos of your friends and family. You can also use it to follow local businesses and community groups, or upload and share your own photos.
You’ll need to download Instagram to your smartphone. It’s free; just search for it wherever you get your apps.
Twitter is primarily a news sharing platform. Like Instagram, you don’t make “friends” but “follow” people you want to keep in touch with.
Twitter is a great way to share news stories or the odd joke. It’s also a great way to follow the latest news from your favourite celebrities. Just remember there’s a 140-character limit on all “tweets” – so keep it short and sweet! People will then be able to like or “re-tweet” your pearls of wisdom.
Twitter can be used on your computer or phone. Visit the website to set up an account.
Snapchat
Like Instagram, Snapchat is a great way to send photos and videos to your friends and family. The main difference between Instagram and Snapchat is that Snapchat is a messaging platform, so you choose who your photos and videos are sent too. Another key difference is that Snapchats typically disappear once they have been viewed (after 10 seconds).
Snapchat has a range of fun filters that allow you to distort your features and create cute props and backgrounds. Have a play with the grandkids! We’re sure they’ll be more than happy to teach you a trick or two.
You can download Snapchat to your smartphone by searching for it in your app store.
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