In what ways do you communicate online?
At 60 years of age, I’ve witnessed an evolution in the ways people communicate. We used to write letters by hand or with a typewriter and send them by snail mail. We called people with our rotary phones using landlines. If they didn’t answer the phone, we had to call them back. Then we got push-button phones, fancy-schmancy cordless phones, and telephone answering machines. If we needed to send business documents quickly, we used facsimile (fax) machines.
In my career, the evolution of communication in the workplace has included the modernization of phones and voicemail systems, as well as the use of email to send messages and documents. For a while, we used Skype for instant messaging and meetings. Now, my company uses Microsoft Teams for meetings and calls.
Today, I use Facebook to communicate with family and friends. I signed up on Facebook when my nephew Chris was serving in the Peace Corps in Uganda. Facebook was the best way to learn about his experiences in Africa. Nowadays, Chris rarely posts anything on Facebook, but my online community has expanded.
I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook. I love being able to communicate so easily regardless of distance. My childhood penpal found me on Facebook, and I’ve gotten back in touch with other friends and family. But Facebook can be so addictive! It can make you worry that you’ll miss out on something important if you don’t check it frequently. It quickly spreads lies and disinformation and divides friends and family. One year, I gave up Facebook for Lent. Now, I have a time limit for it on my smartphone.
I signed up for Instagram when I took Facebook off my phone. I love sharing pictures of nature – scenery from my hikes, wildflowers, deer, etc. But Instagram is kind of creepy because strangers (usually men) send follow requests and unwanted messages if you accept. I immediately shut off that line of communication.
I am on LinkedIn, but I rarely use it. I look forward to updating my profile to say that I’m retired!
As an introvert, it’s easier for me to communicate by writing than talking. Twelve years ago, I started blogging with Google Blogger, then switched to WordPress.
The interesting thing is that I’ve evolved with the changes in technology. No, I don’t text a lot like young people do. I’m “typing” this post on my phone with one finger. But communicating online, especially blogging, has turned me into a talker in meetings. You might not even know that I’m an introvert.
Innermost Being 