I was a
pretty early adopter of social media. In my work life, I created the strategy,
governance and team to launch FB and Twitter platforms at a national crown
corporation. I knew these platforms had power to change the world. Although
some still argue not for the better, I disagree.
During
Covid social isolation, I’ve been on social platforms way more than usual. It’s
not because I need to be better informed about the most recent statistics or
the stupid comments from political leaders who I swear want this pandemic to incite
unrest.
A
counselor whom I spoke with not too long ago for a story I wrote advised
individuals to monitor their mood before going on social media and again when
they stop using it on a scale of 1 to 10.
1 that you felt lousy. 10 that you feel better.
I’m proud
to share I’ve become more addicted to FB, Instagram and LinkedIn than ever
right now because my experience has been 10 out of 10, thanks to those I’m
connected with.
To the
largest extent, those I follow on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn are friends
and trusted connections. They include childhood, high school and college
friends, lots of family spread out all over the country and world, current and
former colleagues from many walks of life, and people from groups I belong to
that are local, national and international.
I’ve
experienced weather and nature shots from across the country, moments of
families doing fun, new activities as they cope with being inside, memes,
satirical jokes, essays, notes about present and past enjoyable experiences,
pictures from former vacations, people’s pets and lots and lots of baking experiences.
I have
friends with musical talent who’ve shared songs, from the clergy, who continue
to share inspiration and messages of hope, friends who share stories of giving back and compassion. I have
friends and colleagues using the situation to create new online businesses, shifting
their business model or instigating new fundraising initiatives. People are sharing
photos of what they're creating from paintings to gardens to masks. And there
are links to thoughtful messages about resiliency, adapting to change and mental
and physical wellness.
This
morning, I watched a meaningful reflection on the significance of “home”.
I see
photos of my friend’s new babies and grand-babies, young childrens’ firsts, people doing school
at home and children getting behind the wheel for the first time. There are
unique birthday party shots, and people honouring those who feed and take care
of others. There are families having zoom dinners and meetings.
I can talk
with my mother any time through Messenger even though she’s only about 15
minutes away from me isolated in her independent seniors living residence for
safety.
I’ve
visited with friends in Spain and Argentina using What’sApp and used Viber to
catch up with my cousin in the Ukraine. Her great great grandfather and
my grandfather were brothers.
By zoom,
zoom, and zooming some more, I’ve kept connected to many important networks and at the same time become a cast member of the Brady Bunch opening credits as we
look at each other in little squares on the computer screen.
The Covid-19
pandemic is showing social media and technology at its very best and the
content inspires me and gives me hope, laughter, stimulating thought and peace
during the strangest time in my life so far. I bet Mark Zuckerberg never quite
imagined that.
