I have read many blogs and articles lately discussing the dangers of social media. Websites such as Facebook, Twitter and My Space have changed the way we interact as humans for many years to come. Social media is growing by the day and is here to stay.

Many have voiced their concerns that social media is creating a society of people who are losing their face to face social skills. Where once there were phone calls or lunch meetings, now have been replaced by texting, instant messaging, facebook commenting and twittering!

Furthermore, I have heard others voice their concerns that social media is just creating a ‘self promotion’ culture in a culture where we are way too self absorbed as it is.

I am a social media user. I enjoy it and I actually think it has enhanced my relationships. What a lot of people do not see when they criticize social media is that there were many people who were bad at staying in communication and being friends. I was one of them! Before I did not call unless I had to, now I interact with my friends and family more than I ever have.

I believe many do not like social media because they either do not understand it, are frightened by it or refuse to look at new ways of communication. Some of us think  because some people abuse a tool it is bad. This is what happened with TV, radio, color movies, even the Internet. Many saw only the dark side of these avenues of communication and believed it was bad for society. However, everything has a bad side and just because there are those who abuse certain things does not mean it is all bad!

Social media has enhanced my life for the good! Here are the reasons why and which social media I use:

Social Media I Use: Facebook, Twitter and Blogging

Reason I Use Social Media:

1. To help me stay connected in the everyday lives of my friends and family. I want to know what is going on in their lives because I believe it is important for me as a friend to know that. Social Media is an easy non-draining way to stay connected
2. To connect with old friends who I have lost touch with
3. A inexpensive way to talk and communicate with long distant friends and family
4. To network with other people who are in my line of work or who are involved in the things I am interested in
5. A place to voice the thoughts that are going on in my head.
6. A central place to communicate with large groups of people
7. To understand what people are talking about, listening to, reading, debating and doing in their lives so I can stay relevant in my world
8. It helps me keep learning about life, other people, God and myself

So that’s me! What about you? Which social media tools do you use and why do you use them? Let me know by leaving a comment!