I grew up during a time when you went to visit someone for your social contact need and got lost in a magazine for escape. Magazines provided stories and an escape to faraway places. It also provided inspiration with beautiful things, new ideas and thoughts. Technology has changed the way we live and lately, social media addresses our need for socialization and escape.

Our ways of social contact and escape have changed

We carry our social networks and escape on our phones with us. The stories we read and the pictures we look at are about people we know. We choose the friends whose news and photos we want to see and can even comment on or joke about it. We can be part of groups with people with the same interests as us, get tips, ideas, and advice from people with shared passions and make new friends. Our interests determine the advertisements and information we receive.

How does social media work?

I wanted to learn more about the mystery of this new social world that I sometimes find intimidating. I researched Facebook as a platform and learned a few things. Social media platforms must ensure users find value during the time they spend on them. Facebook has, therefore, put Algorithms in place to make sure users get quality information based on their interests. It was good to see that the principles of the algorithms are very much in line with ordinary social behaviour.

Social behaviour principles

Participation and contributions are required. To be part of any social system, you must participate and contribute. Your contributions should be interesting to provoke conversation. It should be about topics that interest other people, make them laugh, give hope, inspiration, or new ideas. The algorithm ensures a contribution circulates as long as people comment or respond.

Promote participation. Conversations about topics that provide people with the opportunity to participate are winners. I enjoy contributions that make me think, evoke emotion and give me more information and the opportunity to comment.

Timing is important. You need to post when your social media friends are available online and will have time to respond. Businesses that use social media for advertising must determine the optimal time for their target market to respond. Good timing will, therefore, help to ensure that the ad stays in circulation.

Show reaction to encourage participation. It took me a lot of courage to become part of this online social network. I was so scared that no one would respond to my contributions. After conversations with my friends, I realized that this fear is only human. Humorous, thought-provoking or caring comments make people feel their contributions matter and are appreciated and encourage them to keep going.

Part of a virtual social community

It is a challenge for any new resident to join a community. As an introvert, I first watch before gathering all my courage to start participating carefully. Sometimes new residents have so many other things that take up their time, and their need is just for escape. In that case, it is enough for them to watch and not participate. We must respect people’s needs and choices.

I am grateful to every former resident of the social-media world who made me feel at home as a newcomer, and I undertake to do the same. In a new country with Covid constraints and a social need, I experience togetherness in this virtual social community. I discovered old friends from different stages of my life and met new friends with shared passions. I also gained better insight into the lives of acquaintances.

Even though I was initially sceptical, I can honestly admit that social media contributes to my life. However, I carefully assess the origin of posts and the time I spend on social media.

Regards

Emsia