From January 2012 the Register and Wyke Register magazines are publishing a series of my guides to social media. I’ll republish the guides here. The Register and Wyke Register are local magazines for Weymouth, Dorset.
Even if you don’t own a computer or have never used the internet, you’ve probably heard of Facebook, Twitter, and the modern method of communication called ‘social media’.
The internet is allowing people to exchange ideas and share information in novel and interesting ways that most of us never imagined even just a few years ago. We are living through nothing less than a revolution in communication.
As so often happens in revolutions, it’s the younger generations who most readily embrace the new ideas. Those of us who’ve been around a bit longer have the wisdom to know that new isn’t always better, and have an attachment, not always entirely rational, to the old ways.
But as your own experience may have already shown you, the new ways of talking to one another can bring benefits to all. Families separated by many miles, perhaps even living on different continents, are able to share pictures and news through Facebook. The instant messaging system called Twitter has allowed many of us to make new contacts, and even new friends.
You don’t have to be left out
My name is Andrew Knowles and I am a freelance writer living in Wyke Regis. Over the next few months, I’ll be publishing short guides to these new ways of communicating through the internet. Each month, I’ll look at a particular aspect of social media including the different ways it is being used, security and privacy concerns and the benefits of each of the leading systems.
I’ll also answer questions you may have. You’re welcome to get in touch with me by sending an email to andrew@writecombination.com.
Social media is not going to disappear
The new world of Facebook, Twitter and the like is not going to go away. The names might alter over time, but the fundamental idea of social media – where people can communicate with diverse individuals, groups and organisations – is not going to change.
Social media is not just about idle chat or sharing photos. It can also help you to communicate with the businesses you buy from. Just this week, I had a problem ordering goods from a leading supermarket. From Facebook, I discovered that my problem was not unique, and using Twitter, I was able to reach their customer service team.
The result was a phone call from a senior manager, apologising for the problems and offering me a sizeable discount off my future shopping. Social media is helping to give individuals the power to reach big businesses in a new and powerful way.
Next month: What are the dangers of using social media?