For many people, social media is one of the greatest things to have come into fruition over the last two decades. It offers a fantastic way for people to stay in touch for a fraction of the price that it once cost to call by telephone.
Seniors in particular can reap the benefits of social media, as it allows them to combat feelings of loneliness which are often associated with retirement age. As you get older, you go out less, particularly if you live in an assisted living facility.
Social media offers the opportunity to stay in touch with your loved ones and up to date with their lives. However, navigating social media platforms can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been on one before. If you’re a senior just getting started with social media, here are some tips to get the most out of it.
Start With Facebook
Nowadays there are all sorts of social media platforms to choose from. The best way to get started is by starting with the most straightforward one—Facebook. Not only is it easy to navigate regardless of your age, but you’re more likely to find the most people you know on it.
With millions of active users a day, chances are you’ll find everyone you’re looking for in one place. If you’re unsure about how to get started creating your profile, you’ll be happy to know that Facebook is extremely user-friendly, and can guide you step by step.
It will help you with everything from choosing a cover photo to including personal information about yourself to deciding which information you want to share publicly.
Protect Your Privacy
Unfortunately, we don’t live in the same world as we once did a few decades ago. The world is full of dishonest people, and the internet is often where they gather the most. Privacy is a critical aspect of joining social media.
Be aware of the information you’re sharing and with whom you’re sharing it. It’s important to get to know your privacy settings and control who can see your posts and personal information.
Don’t share your address or important information like your Social Security number. Ideally, you should set your account to private, which means that only people of your choosing can view your profile page. This is especially important if you plan on posting photos of your family. You don’t want photos of your loved ones getting into the wrong hands.
Be Careful of Scams
Nowadays, scammers are more clever than ever and often use social media as a way to get your precious information. If you receive a message or see a post that seems fishy, don’t click on it. Clicking on a link could lead you to a phishing website that could hack your computer and steal important information. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution.