Social media is something I do every day. While I wait at the perch for patrons to come to me with questions or checkouts, I'm often managing the library's social media accounts--on Facebook, X, and Instagram--along with this blog that you're reading. I see what's trending on the feeds, and I scan through the news outlets to see if anything is happening in the literary or real world that's worth posting. Social media is important for advertising the library, our programs, and any other information we need to impart.
In my private life, however, I rarely use social media. Yes, I do have a Facebook account, but I don't check it often and I hardly ever post anything, especially information that's too personal. I suppose I'm a strange Gen-Xer who grew up without the internet. I played outside and rode my bike to friends. Bullying may have happened at school, but home was a safe place. The phone (a landline rotary) was used only for talking. If I wanted to know something, I went to the library to use an encyclopedia or the card catalog to look up where a book was located. I'm comfortable using current technology (and even help others navigate it in the library), but I choose when to use it and when to unplug from it.
Australia wants to let kids be kids, and other countries are contemplating whether to follow its example. Despite some Australian kids finding ways onto social media platforms despite the tighter restrictions, many are spending more time outside, with family, and with friends. They are interacting more with each other in person. They are also doing more things offline.
What are your thoughts about children using or not using social media? Share with us!
Wishing you a good online-offline balance from the perch.
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