It's me...(again)
I have not commented on this stream because other than this community I do not engage in social media, so I thought I had nothing of value to add.
I may not use social media because I am 'older' and technology it has been a huge learning curve for me. Having said that, I realized in my advocacy work that there are many values to social media engagement and have taken the time to learn all the tools for creativity and expression that can augment a written or verbal messaging.I also love blogging.
My indecision (or maybe decision) about stepping out into creating a facebook site, or tweeting, using linked in or even creating a website comes down to how much control I can have over both sending out and receiving.
I agree with Georgina that a website is great because you can cleverly brand and target. You have some level of 'controlling' the message and limiting the responses coming back.
My concern with other types of social modalities is being inundated with 'crap' that isn't applicable, is not helpful, can be potentially dangerous, can be a form of bullying, can be misinterpreted or manipulated. So in essence it is hard to ensure what goes out is being received as it is meant to be and trying to negotiate the risk of what disaster can potentially happen if it is not.To me, it is a 'safe space' issue for both sender and receiver.
I also hold back any engagement because I wonder if it is worth being inundated with 'stuff' that I have to sift through to find the 'gems' that would actually be effective and helpful to me.
Maybe it is because I am a full time advocate so I am always 'living in triggers' so I need to limit any potential 'unhealthy stimuli' and being over-stimulated. I don't mind being over-stimulated if it is for a positive but a constant barrage of negative stimuli is just not healthy for anyone.
So to date, I recognize the potential benefits of social media but the negatives and risks regarding lack of control in both sending and receiving has resulted in my decision to not engage through facebook, twitter and even creating a website.
As mentioned...this EENet community is the only place I invest my time and effort because they have created a safe space and rules for engagement that work for me.
Betty-Lou Kristy