LETTRE

Keeping friends with changing social media

 

It began with cell phones. Ten years ago, my vision was to bring friends closer together. Friday nights some friends and I would gather at my place to play cards, socialize, and hang out. Making plans was as simple as calling up one friend, and then another until everyone was included. Once the work/school week was over, my phone would constantly be going off.

My friends would arrive promptly as I greeted them at the door. I had all my friends in one room. Music would be playing, food and drinks would be served, and the games began. Everything was going great. This lasted for months.

Then, other forms of social media were introduced

Though I still talk to friends and family by phone, I send more communications by emails than by Facebook. The last time I did a Facebook invite, it was for my 24th birthday and only a few friends that I invited came to my party. Some of the attendees were not originally invited. That is why I prefer sending a mass email to all invitees so it can be controlled and monitored. Not everyone is obligated to answer on the spot, but it would be very appreciated should the recipients be able to follow up as a courtesy to the host.

I use Facebook to keep up with the times. I am in charge of a large chat group with well over 15 friends in this group who need to be made aware of all activities. Over time, some people mute the conversations or disable notifications, thus resulting in some friends losing contact due to not being aware of events happening within the group.

Organizing events can be a lot of work, but it can also be a lot of fun. If everyone were to take the time to think of the best way to address their social media notifications, there would be less confusion for everyone, and they would be more likely to have the time in their lives.

J. d’Eça
Aylmer