Social media isn’t just for the young’uns. If you regularly use it through Facebook or Instagram, for example, you already know how it can help you stay in touch with family and friends, learn more about your favorite hobbies or interests, and keep you instantly up to date on weather advisories, traffic conditions and other important information that can affect everyday life.
Staying socially connected and engaged with the world around us is a vital part of living a fulfilling and joyful retirement lifestyle. And that often involves social media.
Whether you’re a retiree eager to explore the digital world, or just looking for another way to stay connected, here are a few tips to help make your social media experience rewarding.
Start with the basics
Choose one or two platforms to start with, such as:
- Facebook: Check out groups and pages for countless hobbies and interests
- Instagram: Enjoy and share photos with family and friends
- Pinterest: Perfect for finding and organizing recipes, crafts and inspiration
- YouTube: Learn something new or catch up on classic shows
- X (formerly Twitter): Keep it short and sweet, and stay up to date with news and friends
Creating an account on most platforms is free and fairly straightforward. Be sure to use a strong password (and two-factor authentication when available to add an extra layer of security to your social media accounts).
Choose one or two platforms to start with, such as:
- Facebook: Check out groups and pages for countless hobbies and interests
- Instagram: Enjoy and share photos with family and friends
- Pinterest: Perfect for finding and organizing recipes, crafts and inspiration
- YouTube: Learn something new or catch up on classic shows
- X (formerly Twitter): Keep it short and sweet, and stay up to date with news and friends
Creating an account on most platforms is free and fairly straightforward. Be sure to use a strong password (and two-factor authentication when available to add an extra layer of security to your social media accounts).
Maintain privacy
Privacy settings can sometimes be confusing, but they are crucial for protecting your information online. Many social media platforms allow you to control who sees your posts and personal information. It’s essential to review these settings regularly or ask for help setting them up.
In addition to locking down your Facebook and other social media privacy settings, be aware scammers are everywhere. Always double-check friend requests and links to ensure your friend’s account hasn’t been breached. Also, be sure to ask before sharing another person’s content.
Privacy settings can sometimes be confusing, but they are crucial for protecting your information online. Many social media platforms allow you to control who sees your posts and personal information. It’s essential to review these settings regularly or ask for help setting them up.
In addition to locking down your Facebook and other social media privacy settings, be aware scammers are everywhere. Always double-check friend requests and links to ensure your friend’s account hasn’t been breached. Also, be sure to ask before sharing another person’s content.
Social media not your bag?
That’s OK! Social media is just a tool to stay connected, but it isn’t for everyone. Many people stay up to date with friends and family, and involved in their communities, just fine without it.
Be savvy and selective with what you share
Don’t share personal information in public posts or in public forums. Avoid sharing personal documents or pictures of important identification cards (driver’s license, passport) on social media. Avoid sharing your location or checking in at every place you visit.
Don’t share personal information in public posts or in public forums. Avoid sharing personal documents or pictures of important identification cards (driver’s license, passport) on social media. Avoid sharing your location or checking in at every place you visit.
Think before you comment or post
They say the internet is forever. While that’s not always true per se (a recent Pew Research Center study found many links on news, government, social media and Wikipedia sites are broken), it’s probably best to be overly cautious online and assume that anything you put out there is “forever.”
For example, according to CNN, any post, whether it’s an email, social media comment or direct message, is typically saved on the user’s device, the recipient’s device, and on the servers owned by a company whose platform you used. Ideally, if the user who generated the content deletes it, the content should disappear from all three locations. But generally, it doesn’t happen that easily. Even if the platform deletes the post, or you delete it from Facebook, for example, someone else might have already copied the picture or post you put out there.
So … be thoughtful and careful about what you post.
They say the internet is forever. While that’s not always true per se (a recent Pew Research Center study found many links on news, government, social media and Wikipedia sites are broken), it’s probably best to be overly cautious online and assume that anything you put out there is “forever.”
For example, according to CNN, any post, whether it’s an email, social media comment or direct message, is typically saved on the user’s device, the recipient’s device, and on the servers owned by a company whose platform you used. Ideally, if the user who generated the content deletes it, the content should disappear from all three locations. But generally, it doesn’t happen that easily. Even if the platform deletes the post, or you delete it from Facebook, for example, someone else might have already copied the picture or post you put out there.
So … be thoughtful and careful about what you post.
Connect with respect
The internet is chock-full of differing opinions and heated discussions. Folks should keep in mind that not every thought in their head needs to be shared, and to treat others with respect, even when you disagree with them.
The internet is chock-full of differing opinions and heated discussions. Folks should keep in mind that not every thought in their head needs to be shared, and to treat others with respect, even when you disagree with them.
Engage with purpose
Social media is most rewarding when you engage with content that enriches your life. Comment on family members’ posts to feel closer to them, and join groups that align with your hobbies.
Social media is most rewarding when you engage with content that enriches your life. Comment on family members’ posts to feel closer to them, and join groups that align with your hobbies.
Learn and adapt
Technology changes quickly, and it’s OK to feel like you’re always learning something new. Many communities and local libraries offer classes specifically designed to help people become savvy social media users.
Technology changes quickly, and it’s OK to feel like you’re always learning something new. Many communities and local libraries offer classes specifically designed to help people become savvy social media users.
Simplify your experience
There are tools and features designed to make using social media easier for those who may not be as tech-savvy. Features like voice search on YouTube, “Favorites” on Facebook to prioritize family members’ posts, and setting up notifications for specific group activities can streamline and enhance your online experience.
There are tools and features designed to make using social media easier for those who may not be as tech-savvy. Features like voice search on YouTube, “Favorites” on Facebook to prioritize family members’ posts, and setting up notifications for specific group activities can streamline and enhance your online experience.
Find a good balance between social media and face-to-face gatherings.
While social media can provide comfort and company, spending time in person with family and friends, engaging in real-world activities and savoring the moments spent together build a sense of belonging and community that screens can’t replicate.
Finding a good balance between scrolling through social media and spending time with real people ensures we get the best of both worlds: enjoying the perks of technology while still cherishing those meaningful moments that make life so special.
By approaching social media with curiosity, patience and a bit of caution, you can safely enjoy the world of benefits it has to offer.
Related article: “Help protect yourself from elder fraud — a little vigilance goes a long way”
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