By Monique Reidy ~
When I graduated from middle school, I was voted “Most Likely to Become a Phone Operator.” Lo and behold, it just dawned on me that this prediction has in fact come true. Not exactly the sort of operator my classmates in the ’70s had in mind, but a phone operator I certainly am. And I operate my iPhone seemingly every waking moment of my day.
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It seems my young friends made this prophetic declaration because I enjoyed talking on the phone, most likely excessively. I was one of the first among my friends to have my very own — it was not a snazzy wireless gadget, those did not exist in my primitive past. This was a fixed landline with a circular dial and an attached headpiece. So when I was on the phone, I actually had to remain seated near the unit. As the family phone hog, I was thrilled when I was gifted with one to place in my own room. No longer would I need to fear that my parents could hear my secret conversations.
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As an adult, the phone still plays a significant role in my life. I know the “proper” assertion might be, “but I wish it didn’t.” Oddly, I don’t feel that way. I still love my phone — and now it not only connects me to my dear friends, I can connect to anyone around the globe and access any information I need in an instant.
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I do realize the indisputable downside of the cellular culture — its rude utilization in the presence of other people, texting while driving, obnoxious and disruptive ringtones, etc. But if a user practices respectful and well-mannered habits, today’s cellular smartphones have so much to offer.
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Despite some people’s protest that the cellular age has caused us as a society to pull away from each other and lose the human angle in relationships, I feel that it has accomplished quite the contrary. We now have the ability to make more connections, more frequently and in many more ways. And with so many options in social media, there are countless opportunities to make friends and connect with people who share common interests.
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Another standard complaint is that social media is intimidating and its execution is complicated. The answer to that is: not any more. The only way to know which media venue is best for an individual is to dive in and explore. Most have simplified instructions and help menus, and they are easy to navigate. If there’s not a “connection” with one, it’s easy to try another. There are hundreds available.
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Besides the personal value of social media, it also offers users the chance to get outside of their own life to see a broader world ahead. Yes, one can connect with childhood friends just as I have, but there are opportunities to connect with organizations and causes that support the values and ideologies that matter to a consumer. Anyone can make their views known on national platforms and learn about issues they might never hear about on the nightly news. Users can meet a new friend in Kenya and get to know that person very well! In the face of a very few snags, social media offers limitless benefits.
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If you’re reading this blog, you’re probably well-hooked into the social media world. But if you’re not, I invite you to jump in and get started. You can begin by clicking any of our links posted at the top of this page. And in no time, you’ll be a savvy social media operator yourself!!
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About the Author
Monique Reidy is the publisher of www.TheSavvyGal.com, editor-in-chief of Westlake Magazine, and co-author of “Working World 101: The New Grad’s Guide to Getting a Job.”