Social media can be a bit like marmite – but during this uncertain, difficult time – online networking is being used to bring people together.
More of us are using Social Media and Applications to stay connected with our loved ones as well as sharing and seeing positive community stories.
Facebook Groups have been the forefront of sharing positivity and lending a hand within different communities depending where you live.
Many businesses are sharing their generosity and services to help those more vulnerable and key workers through food packages, taxi companies providing lifts and changing their shopping hours just to name a few.
The abundance of creativity too: people painting rainbows to place in their front windows, giving home schooling ideas/activities, sharing free downloadable resources. But also, people offering their services to help others has been heart-warming.
For those with a Facebook account, you can text, create groups and video call each other for free through Messenger. Note: Messenger will only work if both parties have a Facebook account and the app downloaded.
Similar to Messenger, WhatsApp (which are both owned by Facebook) is a great to text and video call your family and friends for free on both Apple and Android devices.
You don’t need a Facebook account, just your mobile number and again both parties will need to have the app downloaded on their phone or computer.
There are tons of apps out there to use to video call loved ones such as Skype, FaceTime (Apple devices only) and Zoom. Remember to click on the answer button or link if you have spoken to your friend or relative and you are expecting it.
Twitter is another fantastic way for keeping on top of news, trending stories and for businesses to keep networking.
New Chat Hours are springing up all over twitter providing an opportunity to bring people together during this pandemic. See https://www.ditzymedia.com/updated-guide-to-local-chat-hours-on-twitter/
There are other popular social networking applications too. Our advice is follow the latest cyber security guidance to ensure what you are downloading is safe.
Great resources:
Be careful not to spiral into a deep, dark social media hole – look after your mental health, take breaks.
Now is a great time to read a book, get crafty, exercise, cook / bake or a start a new hobby!
Remember we are in this together, please stay safe and well.
