In today’s sociality, we are driven by searching, reading, and communicating using social media. We use computers, laptops, tablets, cell phones, all attempts to connect and stay in contact with people we love and know.
Sometimes our connection to others is driven by a sense of “not wanting to be alone”. Other times it is to stay up on the latest news or events of the day. No matter your reason, the use of social media has become a part of most everyone’s life.
The Internet and associated social media sites have become more and more complex. Harder to understand all the “bells and whistles” offered. Kids and younger adults today grew up using the internet and social media. Posting selfies, videos, searching for the latest and greatest all are second nature to them.
But what about older folks, who did not have the internet growing up. The days when we wanted to talk to someone. We called them on a wall mounted phone. Or better yet, we went to their house. The days when we spent all summer long, from sunup to sundown playing outside.
As said, the Internet is an ever changing, fast-paced environment. Where technology and supporting devices change almost monthly. Always some new phone, tablet, or computer program to entice us. Social Media sites offer more and more to draw you to use their sites.
In this article I want to explore these changes and how older adults can take advantage of the ever-changing landscape of “all things Internet”.
Let’s Jump In
Where do we start? I look at technology as a tool to perform a service. This could be as simple as sending/receiving emails. Creating an on-line article (like this one). Looking at what people have posted on social media, like Facebook, MeWe, or Parler. We can get all consumed with social media. How do we control the urge to spend all our time on these sites?
Like most people I am driven by social media. Always searching, posting, connecting with people. I have several sites I use constantly. Let’s talk about some of them.
Facebook is the big elephant in the room. With 2.93 billion monthly active subscribers as of 2nd quarter 2022. This company has grown to shape “all things Internet”. The ability to chat with friends and family. Post videos, news articles. Its ease-of-use is a driving factor.
How to use social media safely?
Throughout the course of the Internet maturing. Seniors have been a target for swindlers. From medical cures to spams and hacking of passwords. Seniors, usually being behind the curve in “all things Internet” are prime targets.
Social media sites seem rip with advertisements for spams. Recently my wife ordered a Christmas tree from a vendor promoting on Facebook. We paid through PayPal, so things seemed legit. 45 days later, and several inquiry emails with no reply. still have not received the tree. When we tried to go to vendor website. Google advising site cannot be found.
The Federal Trade Commission reported for 2021 people were scammed over $770 million dollars. The FTC reports 2021 losses represent an 18-fold increase over the past four years.
Since on average, only 4.8% of people report the fraud to either the government or the Better Business Bureau. Scamming is big business, and seniors are a prime target.
There are some steps that can be taken to protect yourself while using the Internet
Strong password: Passwords should be complex enough that they cannot be guessed. It is recommended to use a combination of capital / small case letters, numbers and special characters.
Wary of suspicion links: If you do not recognize the link, don’t click on it. Thief will create a similar looking link, with a slight change. That slight change will redirect you to their site. Personally, if I get an email from a known site, asking me to click on a link. I will open a new browser and access via the company main page. I do not click on the link in an email.
Great “once in a life-time offers”: All I can say here is buyer beware. If it sounds too good to be true. Maybe it is. Do your homework before giving your personal information away.
Use trusted retailers: Using only trusted retailers helps prevent getting fooled and scammed.
Using credit cards: with fraud protection, using a credit card can be a good bet. Using your debit card attached to your bank account. Maybe rethink this method. In both cases be careful and protect the account information.
Truth of Consequences
There is a lot of down-right false information “floating” around on the Internet. Trying to discern what is truth, from false is a major undertaking. How do you separate truth from fabrication?
Find the source: When I read an article, I am interested in it. I do my homework. I just do not take what one person or site writes. I search multiple sites and collaborate on the information to be accurate. This is not hard, and not that time consuming. In any case, I know what I read is truthful or not.
News sites are famous for providing a slanted truth. They look to sell a product, their news. As such their news is slanted towards their readership.
At Seniorsnews.org I tried to search for news sites which provide an unbiased approach to news. I watch the articles posted. Search and investigate the accuracy of the reporting. If I find they are providing inaccurate, or downright false information. I do not hesitate to remove their site from Seniorsnews.org.
In all cases I try, and you should too, to find news sites that provide unbiased reporting or information.
I leave the opinions to the opinion / gossip sites. My time is valuable, and I hope you think the same of your time.
In any case, take care of how you use the Internet. It can provide useful informative information. It can also be a place where if not careful, can be overwhelming and dangerous to your personal, or financial health.
Disclaimer:
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