Penny For Your Thoughts By: Nancy Whitaker
I am a big fan of the being online and also social media, and so is a lot of people. Through the wonders of a computer and the internet, I can see pictures of my new great-grandbabies (yes I am that old), talk with my family and friends, plan an event, join various groups, play games, post and see recipes and even buy tickets to an event. You can even quit your job or get fired via online.
I have been online for 25 or 30 years and it seems as if I learn something new each day. If someone I know goes to the hospital, one of my friends will post a prayer request. I can look at maps, plan a trip, book a hotel and make reservations for dinner.
Some people ask, “Why do you need the internet. Back in my day we did not have it.” They also comment, “Well, even if I got it free, I still would not want it.”
Yes, some bad things have happened on social media and the internet. Someone even video taped himself committing a crime. (not too smart). We can also get news from anyplace in the world as it happens.
Social Media also has some community standards. For one thing you can have your account suspended if you don’t obey the rules. I usually get online to see pictures of my family and to see how “my friends” are doing. I also love reading and sharing recipes and I am finding out I really have no use for a cookbook.
The other day when I checked my social media page I had a message from Facebook. (FB) It said, “We have removed a post of yours because it doesn’t meet community standards.” They had a picture of my post and it was Chicken and Noodles.
I was absolutely floored because there was nothing I could see that would offend anyone and I had copied from a Cooking Blog. So I messaged the security team and asked them why a chicken noodle recipe was considered unfit?
In about 10 minutes they responded that they had looked it it wrong and they had reposted it.
The way social media works is that someone will request you be their friend on social media and you can say “Yes” or “decline.”
I usually make my decisions on friends by checking to see if they have any mutual friends that we both know.
Another thing I do on the internet is check theaters around the area and see what is playing at the movies. This is a handy tool because you can watch the trailer and also read reviews. I am not sure how to do it, but you can also watch movies online.
If you know most of your friends, you can wish them “Happy Birthday” because social media will remind you when the date is.
Now, I realize the internet has taken a toll on post offices, because cards and letters can be emailed. I believe it has also hit some retail stores as now you can order gifts, food and shop online. Instead of facing Black Friday shopping, I can sit here in the comfort of my own home and shop.
Don’t get me wrong, I still love reading the newspaper the old fashioned way, shopping in a store, ordering in a restaurant from a hand held menu and talking to my family and friends in person.
Our cell phones can do most things also. There is something called texting, but that is a whole other subject.
I get so happy when I see my younger grandkids have a cell phone (or a duplicate toy one) and sit there playing games. They learn at a young age.
Yes, I am a big internet lover, but I also cherish the history of earlier times and I still consider myself “Old Fashioned”. If you can be that anymore. You know the things I used many years ago are now considered antiques (me too).
Are you on the internet or have a cell phone? Do you ever look up or “Google” any subject online? Let me know and I’ll give you a Penny for Your Thoughts.
