Social media has become a way of life and a primary form of communication for many worldwide. We wake up on our phones and go to bed; we even use our phones to communicate while sitting next to each other.
Go To's
As much as I hate to admit it, I use Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat daily. While I may not rack up as many hours as my teenage daughters, I use these apps to stay in touch with friends and family and, sometimes, just out of boredom. These sites allow me to see a recent accomplishment of a friend I would not otherwise keep in touch with, and by liking their post, I can show my support, even from states away. I can also keep track of my daughters' usage and what is going on in their lives. Snapchat is a much different form of communication to me, though, as I can see bits and pieces of the lives of my loved ones through pictures and short videos and share some of my own as well. The quick delivery and privacy enable a form of conversation that a telephone call just can't.
Besides social media, I use everything from banking and school apps to online shopping and food ordering services. We use everything from tv to radio, SMS, email, and websites. With a family of 7 (5 of them children), these forms of digital media make checking the weather before walking out of the house to order dinner much more convenient. I've scheduled and reserved birthday party spaces online, and I email for school and work. There just isn't much that I do anymore that isn't centered around digital media in some way.
My 2 Cents
While there may be some negative interactions with some types of digital media, I have found my experience to be primarily positive. Crashing apps, rude people, and the frequency of ads are all unfortunate side effects of the multitude of conveniences that digital media offers. However, in my experience, I have to say the benefits outweigh the issues. Of course, human error and glitches can always get in the way of technology, but the convenience, structure, and endless possibilities digital media offers are incomparable.
I Can't Get No
I'm not afraid to say that, considering my digital media needs, I might be viewed as a bit high maintenance. There isn't specifically one type of digital media that does it for me. I use apps to communicate with the kids' schools, but I use email at times too. Social media is great for keeping in touch, but so is text, Snapchat, and Facetime because they give you more real-time communication. There are just so many forms of digital media that, as a working mom, student, and wife, I find to be valuable tools that I can't say one particular form satisfies my needs.
Vibe Check
I receive many emails from stores I frequent, companies I've bought from online, and of course, the ever-popular unsolicited email ads. The emails that usually catch my attention are the sales, because who doesn't like a good deal? Everyone wants to feel like they're saving money. So naturally, anything that says clearance or has a bright yellow or red that people usually associate with discounted items tends to catch my eye.
IYKYK
Digital media is the cornerstone of marketing today. Our society depends on technology making digital marketing vital to the success of any organization. In every aspect of their lives, the average consumer uses technology daily, making digital media one of the most critical tools for people today. Digital media gives individuals a voice and organizations the opportunity to do the inconceivable. The possibilities are limitless with the correct use of technology.
