Social Media Stigma

It’s always interesting to hear the different views that people have on using social media.  Especially as I am sometimes highlighted because I embrace all the platforms I can get my hands on!

The future is digital and socialising has progressed in line with this.  Some people want to share, some people want to influence, some like to complain.  We see people sharing their views and opinions on politics, the environment and the economy.  There are some that are just having a snoop – if that is your thing, cool.

Social media does not come without some risk, but if we use it wisely and remember the value of human interaction, social media is a fantastic tool.

I have built a parenting community, a business network and I have formed closer relations with my loved ones from afar.  I use different platforms for different purposes, here are a few:

Facebook

I use Facebook like an extended phone book.  I keep in touch with friends and family.  It is also my go to when I want to ask a question.

• “Where can I…?”
• “How do I…?”
• “What’s on…?”

The questions might be to my network, or to a group that I am part of.

Instagram

Instagram is my platform to positively influence through photography.  I have two accounts.  One for close family and friends only and one for my blogging.  I will share images that I feel others will relate to and/or connect with.

WordPress

Writing my blog is like my therapy.  I started my blog after I lost my Dad and it has become somewhat of a brain dump, which we all need sometimes!

TikTok / Reels

One of my newest experiments has been creating ultra-short video content.  TikTok and Reels have given me a platform to just be me for 30 seconds or so.  Crazy, silly, happy me.  The joy I have found by using these apps has been incredible.  Desperate housewife?  Maybe!

YouTube

After dabbling for many years, this is a platform that I am still trying to find my place in.

YouTube has many uses and I have used it to influence, to review, to educate and train others and also to basically overshare my little world.

They say that every successful YouTube creator has a niche – I have never enjoyed limiting myself, so I hope that there is an audience for a wacky shopaholic mum, who adores her family and friends and wants to smash her career goals, like yesterday!

The Reality

Everyone has their own intentions.  Some want companionship.  Some need others to agree with their views.  Some seek recognition that they are doing the right thing.  Others want to be admired, even if they do not have the life they imply to have on media (which makes me so sad).  Some like to show their friends and families what they have been up to, a new way of sharing life experiences.

My own intentions on all of these sites is different as I have mentioned, but my goal remains the same.  I want engagement from others.

Yes, some of us choose to engage with total strangers, whilst others might just want Great Auntie Janet to see the kids grow.  But we all have the same goal, we must have.

You may have heard the term, ‘Fishing for Likes’.  Which is used to describe the hope that other people will click the like button, on your post.

Conclusion

Am I fishing for likes?  I wouldn’t say fishing, but I want them, of course.  But, surely we all do.

The truth is, almost everyone I know has at least one social media account and has placed at least one post publicly.

If we genuinely did not want any engagement from others on our posts – then why would we use social media in the first place?

Brain dump over!