NG14 January/February 2020

The
Social Media
Tale
I’m sure many of you will have had shiny new
phones, tablets and other devices for Christmas.
For me, and I am sure many others from my
generation, the whole technology thing and the
social media society that we now appear to live in
is sailing way over my head.
I try to keep up. I have a Facebook account but the
youngsters have moved on...It’s all Instagram and
Snapchat now. So, determined not to be left behind,
I set up an Instagram account and was immediately
blocked by both my kids. Charming.
Did you know...
• Facebook has 2.47 billion users
• 42% of the world wide
population use social media
• the average time spent on social
media is 142 minutes a day
We all have local community Facebook pages.
If you’re not a member, I wholly recommend you
search for your nearest group and get involved.
Whether your dog has legged it or your budgie has
flown the nest, fear not. Post an appeal online.
Someone will have spotted your furry or feathered
friend and chances are you will be reunited before
you can say “here Joey”.
There was the guy who asked if anyone had lost a
hamster as he had found one in his back garden.
He kindly posted a photo and received hundreds
of comments suggesting he put the fox cub back
where he found it!!!
Heard a loud bang? A siren? A leaf falling from a
tree? Fear not...within 5 minutes there will be an
explanation on Facebook.
It’s fantastic, heartwarming and occasionally,
hilarious.
Shuffling around the kitchen in my PJs recently, a
tiny voice called; “Hi Ali”, then another; “Hello”, then
a deeper, tiny voice; “Ayup Ali”. My son was cooking
his tea and seeing my confusion, he pointed to
the shelf and there was his phone with five tiny
faces waving at me. All a bit Willy Wonka for me.
Apparently it’s called Group FaceTime. Get with it
grandma!!
There is a lot of negative press surrounding the
abuse of social media. Cyber bullying, fake news
and online grooming to name but a few of the
unspeakable ways technology is misused. However
it can also be a great asset to communities.
I have to share my favourite post of last year with
you. It went something like this;
“BIG UP to the guy outside the library traffic lights
who pulled up behind me in the middle of the road
on a red mobility scooter. At first I thought, get
on the pavement before you get hit, until I heard
the engine and he overtook me, MANS GOT A
MOTORBIKE ENGINE IN IT! Post some pictures pal.”
Comedy gold right there.
© Ali Wale