In the wake of this week’s announcement for the age of users for social media to be raised to 16, I thought it might be timely to talk about some of the social media platforms out there and how they can be used safely and effectively to keep us connected to our loved ones, the wider community, explore our interests, and even discover new hobbies. For older people, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and TikTok can be daunting, so we have put together a comprehensive guide on how to set up and use these platforms, including the benefits each one offers.
1. Facebook: The Platform for Staying Connected with Family and Friends
Benefits of Facebook:
– Stay in touch with family, friends, and neighbors.
– Join groups based on your interests, like gardening, cooking, or local community activities.
– See real-time updates from loved ones and share your own posts or photos.
Step-by-Step Setup:
1. Download the App: Go to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) and search for “Facebook.” Tap Download.
2. Create an Account: Open Facebook and tap Create New Account. Enter your name, email or phone number, and choose a secure password.
3. Add a Profile Picture: Tap Add Photo to upload a picture of yourself. This helps family and friends recognize you.
4. Find Family and Friends: Use the Search bar at the top to type in names of people you know, then send them a friend request.
5. Join Groups: Tap the Groups icon to search for groups related to your interests.
6. Post Updates: To share something, tap What’s on Your Mind? You can post photos, write updates, or share news.
Using Facebook:
– Like and Comment on posts from friends or groups.
– Messenger lets you send private messages to friends and family.
– Events allows you to see upcoming events or activities in your area and RSVP.
2. Instagram: Share and Explore Photos and Videos
Benefits of Instagram:
– Share photos with family and see what your loved ones are up to.
– Discover photos and videos of hobbies and interests, like travel, cooking, or gardening.
– Follow accounts that inspire you, whether it’s family, friends, or organizations.
Step-by-Step Setup:
1. Download the App: Find Instagram in the App Store or Google Play Store and tap Download.
2. Sign Up: Open Instagram, tap Sign Up, and choose to sign up with your email or phone number.
3. Set Up Your Profile: Choose a username and add a profile picture by tapping Edit Profile.
4. Find and Follow People: Use the Search icon (magnifying glass) to find family, friends, or topics of interest.
5. Explore Topics You Love: Use the Search feature to explore hashtags (#gardening, #travel) related to your interests.
6. Post Photos and Videos: Tap the + icon at the bottom of the screen to upload a photo, write a caption, and share it with your followers.
Using Instagram:
– Stories allows you to share temporary photos or videos that disappear after 24 hours.
– Like and Comment on family photos and posts from accounts you follow.
– Direct Messages let you privately message other users.
3. YouTube: The World of Videos at Your Fingertips
Benefits of YouTube:
– Watch instructional videos on any topic, from cooking to DIY home repairs.
– Follow channels related to your interests, like history, travel, or health.
– Enjoy entertainment, music, and even documentaries from the comfort of your home.
Step-by-Step Setup:
1. Download the App: Search for YouTube in the App Store or Google Play Store and tap Download.
2. Create a Google Account: YouTube uses your Google account, so if you have one, simply log in.
3. Personalize Your Account: Choose your preferred topics, such as cooking, news, or music.
4. Subscribe to Channels: Tap Search to find channels or topics, like “gardening tips” or “classic movies.”
Using YouTube:
– Like and Comment on videos to show appreciation and interact with other viewers.
– Save Videos to “Watch Later” if you find something you want to come back to.
– Create Playlists to organize videos you enjoy by topic, such as recipes, travel, or exercise.
4. Pinterest: Discover and Save Ideas for Your Hobbies
Benefits of Pinterest:
– Find and save ideas related to your hobbies, such as cooking, home decor, or gardening.
– Create visual “boards” to organize your favorite ideas and inspiration.
– Learn new skills or get inspired by exploring how-to articles and step-by-step guides.
Step-by-Step Setup:
1. Download the App: Find Pinterest in the App Store or Google Play Store and tap Download.
2. Sign Up: Open Pinterest, tap Sign Up, and choose to sign up with your email, phone number, or Google account.
3. Set Up Your Profile: Enter your name, age, and preferred interests.
4. Start Searching and Saving: Use the Search bar to look up topics like “easy recipes” or “flower gardening.”
Using Pinterest:
– Explore Your Feed for personalized recommendations based on your saved pins.
– Follow Other Users who share similar interests and get more ideas on your feed.
– Create Your Own Pins if you’d like to upload and share your ideas with others.
5. TikTok: Enjoy and Create Fun, Short Videos
Benefits of TikTok:
– Watch entertaining short videos and stay up-to-date with popular trends.
– Discover videos that match your interests, from cooking and travel to humor and life tips.
– Create and share your own videos to showcase hobbies, thoughts, or advice.
Step-by-Step Setup:
1. Download the App: Search for TikTok in the App Store or Google Play Store and tap Download.
2. Sign Up: Open TikTok and tap Sign Up. You can use your email, phone number, or Google account.
3. Complete Your Profile: Choose a username and add a profile picture by tapping Edit Profile.
4. Follow Accounts and Explore Interests: Use the Search icon to find videos or people related to your interests.
Using TikTok:
– Comment on Videos to join conversations or leave supportive messages.
– Follow Trends and Hashtags to find popular content on specific topics.
– Create Your Own Videos by tapping the + icon. You can record yourself or share clips of things you enjoy.
Final Tips for Getting the Most Out of Social Media
1. Take It Slow: Each platform has its own unique features. Start with one platform, get comfortable, and then try others.
2. Stay Safe: Adjust privacy settings on each platform to control who can see your content. Only accept friend requests from people you know.
3. Engage and Enjoy: Social media is a two-way street—like, comment, and join discussions to get the most out of your experience.
4. Ask for Help: If you’re ever unsure, ask a family member or friend to help you.
Social media is a wonderful way to connect, learn, and stay engaged in the digital world. Whether you want to share updates with family on Facebook, watch cooking tutorials on YouTube, or find gardening inspiration on Pinterest, these platforms have something to offer. As always if you would like some help you can always call on us to help you navigate these on 1300 682 817, or info@hometechassist.com.au