In what ways do you communicate online?
Communication is a two way street, everybody knows that. People who think alike usually prefer the same social apps. This can also happen with those from the same generation or background. As a blogger, I need to use all of the resources I have available. And I try to use as many of them as I can.
Have you watched The Social Network? It is an old movie, but very informative. The way in which Facebook started is surrounded by controversies. But guess what? It has continued to be so to this day.
I use Facebook to communicate mainly with friends and family. I used to follow news outlet pages, but that is not available in Canada anymore. So, for me I feel it has lost some of its utility. One thing that makes me sad about it is that nowadays it’s mostly memes in the timeline. Now, Mark Zuckerberg has announced that they are taking down fact checkers. As if it wasn’t doomscrolling enough, it’s going to be looking much more like X from now on. I don’t mean this as a compliment.
I use Instagram mostly to post pictures and create stories of my posts. I have several friends there and can follow up on their life too. It is a social network with a good vibe, that’s what I like about it.
X
Every time I connect to X I see a lot of toxicity, I am sorry to say it. That is also why I created accounts in Mastodon, Threads, and Bluesky. Basically, I wanted other options to avoid all the hate that’s poured there. I still post the contents of my blog in it, trying to keep my own space positive. I can’t help but feel that my content is drowned and doesn’t have much appeal there, though.
Mastodon
Mastodon is a social network that I really like. It doesn’t have algorithms deciding what you see. It will just show in your timeline the posts of the people or hashtags you follow. This way, you have full control. Another good thing is that it is moderated at the server level you are subscribed to. If you go against the community rules, you can get a warning. Continuing to break the rules will get you kicked out. Not surprisingly, I see a lot more receptivity to my content there.
Threads
Threads was created to compete with X during its period of vulnerability. I joined it to see what the buzz was about. My followers there are basically a copy of my Facebook friends. I feel that it is more friendly than X, which is a good thing.
Bluesky
In the same way, Bluesky came to fill the void of people disappointed with X. So, there I am again. Little by little I am building my audience there. It has also a better vibe than X.
Why don’t you take a look at the links for my social networks below and do a quick visit? I would love to see your comments there! What about you? What social apps or tools do you use to communicate online? Leave that in the comments!