Social media is becoming a key means of communication and connectivity and it's important to know how to properly utilise these sites to your advantage. While it's safe to say everyone knows about Facebook, not everyone uses it. Some people feel intimidated by how big the website is and are afraid it's complicated to use, while others cite a dislike of social media in general. However, social media is here to stay, and it can truly be a valid tool for communication.
On a personal level Facebook is great for staying in touch with loved ones. It provides an easy and convenient way to keep up to date with their activities and accomplishments. Facebook also has a messenger app that is a great tool for talking to friends and family. Free to use, it's an instant messaging application that functions similar to texting. You can type and send messages, photos, videos and you can even use it to make calls. The application can be accessed directly from Facebook by either clicking the messages tab over on the top left of the home screen, or by entering the instant messaging window that's on the right hand side of Facebook at all times. To initiate a message you can type in the person's name in the search box, click on their name when it comes up, and that will open an instant messaging window.
Smart phone
If you have a smart phone you can download the separate Facebook Messenger application for even quicker and easier access to your messages. This app is especially great if you're travelling overseas and want to stay in touch with those back home. All you need is to find a spot with free wifi, and youíll be able to use the app to text.
Facebook is also useful for organising events. Whether you're trying to organise a fundraiser or a family party, Facebook is a great way to get the word out. To create an event go to your newsfeed and click on the events tab over on the top left side. After this click the 'create' button at the top and input the appropriate information for your gathering. Invite the necessary people, and if it's something like a charity fundraiser make sure to spread it around to as many people as possible by encouraging friends to share it with others.
Useful
A third way Facebook can be useful, particularly for churches and other organisations, is through the creation of group pages. Groups can be a great way to connect with parishes as well as youth ministries. With so many people active online these days, especially on Facebook, it's incredibly sensible to make use of the social media tools available to spread your message and interact with your parish. If you're looking to reach out to the younger generations in your parish, Facebook is an indispensable tool.
To create a group page go to the left side of the home screen and click on 'create group'. After this you need to select whether you want your group to be open, closed or secret. Your choice depends on the amount of privacy you think is best for your group. Group pages are useful for organising group activities as well as giving people a way to easily connect and access group information.
Overall Facebook can be an incredibly useful tool for staying connected and engaged. It can be used in both personal and professional settings, and it is easy to access and use.