As per Block 4 Part 1 Activity 1.
- Facebook: for keeping in touch with friends and family. I don't live close to any of my family and Facebook helps us feel in touch in the gaps between the times I can see them. I enjoy seeing the pictures of my young nieces that my brother and sister-in-law post, and the comments about funny things they've done. I'm also connected to some old school friends, whom I haven't necessarily seen in some time, but Facebook allows us to retain an interest in how each other's lives are going. I also have friends and family who don't use Facebook (though not that many!), and I obviously use other means to keep in touch with them.
- Twitter: I tweet occasionally, but I'm conscious that I don't feel fully up on the conventions for posting on Twitter nor how to use it most effectively. I mainly use it to follow public figures/celebrities/causes that interest me. I don't spend a lot of time on Twitter per day - usually just a quick scroll down my feed for anything that catches my eye.
Other social networking technologies that I'm aware of:
- Tumblr: I have an account but barely ever used it. Never really figured out what it's for.
- Instagram: I'm aware of this but don't have an account. It seems to be used for pictures rather than words.
- Google Plus: I'm aware this is Google's version of a social network, but I've never used it, though I do use other Google products including Gmail and Picasa Web Albums.
Update 16 Feb: and here are two I forgot (thank you Simon for the reminder that blogs count!):
- Blogger: I have a personal Blogger blog (in addition to this OU study blog). Yes, I do like writing! And I get little scope for it in my current job. Blogging gives me an outlet for creativity, both in the writing and in which images I choose to post
- LinkedIn: I forgot the business network LinkedIn, which I do have a profile on here - though looking at it I realize it's in need of some updating.