Social Networking Sites

If I'm not at work, doing school work, sleeping or eating, I will check my social media accounts. I haven't really posted much on them lately just because I have so much to do, but I do notice what type of environment I'm entering every time I log into my accounts.

With Facebook I always feel a sense of connection. There isn't anything too complicated about Facebook other than its privacy and posting settings. It allows you to connect with your family and friends that might live a distance away. You are able to see what they're doing and how they're feeling based on what they post and share. Of course they could be putting a fake smile on and posting happy things when they are sad, but that's another story. Also, on Facebook you are able to learn more about people you don't know. It's a networking site that allows us to get to know others. It feels mainly positive. 

When I log into Twitter I get a more calm laid back vibe where I can more or less be myself. Maybe because I don't give out my Twitter to anyone. I have a few followers and I love it like that. I can share small bits of my day or how I'm feeling. Sometimes I'll share lyrics that I randomly create and every now and then some of my friends will like them. Having likes and shares is great because it means that you reached someone and they can relate to it, but sometimes I just want to be free to share things without thinking about whether someone will like it. Sometimes it only matters that I like it. Twitter gives me that sense of peace. It challenges me to express my feelings and thoughts in a limited amount of space. Short and to the point is a method you have to use when you're on Twitter. Maybe it's better that way. 

Another social networking site that I choose to go onto was Snapchat. When someone asks me for my social media, snapchat is usually the first one they ask for. Snapchat is like a video diary; you can record all of your memories and look back on them when you're feeling nostalgic. I love Snapchat's concept, but I hate to post on there. There is little to no feedback when you ask someone a question or try to interact with someone through a 24 hour post. People are more transparent through their Snapchat videos and you could probably get to know someone better on Snapchat than on other social networking sites, but I only go on Snapchat for the filters and to sometimes take pictures and videos. 

One social networking platform I find myself on everyday is Youtube. I don't post any videos, but I watch a lot of different types of videos especially those concerning music. Youtube encourages people to be creative and share their lives with their followers. It gives a sense of a small community. There is a messaging portion of Youtube, but I think that the best way to give someone feedback on the content they post would be through the comments section. Normally I wouldn't post comments but if I feel like I can add a positive message or answer a question that the creator has asked me then I will make an exception.

Of course with all social media there will always be both negative and positive feedback. Some people are overly rude while others are overly nice, but that's not the social networking site's fault. It's the people who chose to use those platforms. Overall, these social networking sites all encourage us to interact with each other in different ways and allow us to explore our creativity whether that be through a video or through a post. These platforms are at our disposal and we can use them as we please.