大象传媒

Facebook recently turned 10 years old, and if you believe the hype - seemingly everyone and their dog is now using it.听 Over the last few years however, it has seen a decline in the number of "young people" using the social networking platform, balanced out by a surge in "silver surfers" - with the 55+ age range seeing the highest growth, now accounting for an estimated 15% of all Facebook users.听 The truth is - many people in this age bracket feel pressured to join, using it reluctantly and scared of how it works.听 But how else will you keep up to date with family news, and see pictures of the grandchildren?

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Gary Ennis from Social Media Training company shares his top 5 tips for how NOT to be scared of Facebook!

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1 - Don't fear the Technology

One of the most common reasons for not embracing something new is the "I'm not good with computers" excuse.听 We hear it all the time - even from customers setting up their own website, or attending social media workshops!听 You're certainly not alone in having this concern over technology, but that's no excuse not to learn!听 Ask your friends and family to give you a quick tour, maybe show you Facebook on an iPad, and then go and have a play - you won't break it, so don't worry.听 If you want to learn even more - there's loads of free classes and workshops on offer from various colleges and organisations such as local councils and Business Gateway.听

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2 - Focus on what you want from Facebook

Things are easiest to use, when you know what you want to use them for! 听There's loads you could do on Facebook, but what do YOU want from it.听 Use it to keep up to date with old friends (you'll never need to remember their email address again!), keep in touch with the rest of the family (especially if you live far apart), browse old photos from your community on the various Facebook groups, or follow your favourite local businesses and get special offers from them. Don't feel compelled to try and do everything - stick to what benefits you.

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3 - Understand Facebook Privacy

It's been one of the most reported on aspects of Facebook, but the truth is - Facebook Privacy is actually pretty simple.听 Once you're logged in, click on the little "cog" in the top right of the screen, and choose "Settings".听 Take some time going through the "Security" and "Privacy" sections.听 If any of the privacy settings are set to "public" - it means that anyone using Facebook can see your stuff.听 Usually you'll want most of the settings to just be "Friends" - meaning only people you choose to connect with will see any of your activity.听 But take your time and read through the options.

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4 - Choose your Friends wisely!

It might be an online platform, but treat it like the real world - choose your friends carefully!听 You wouldn't walk down the high street and show your holiday snaps to just anyone..听 only trusted friends and family.听 Just because someone sends you a "Friend Request" doesn't mean you have to say yes.听 Don't worry what they think - just ignore it, and move on.听 And if you do say yes, and end up with a new friend that you later regret - fix it!听 You have the option to "unfriend someone" (and no - they don't get notified about it - although they may discover later on that you're no longer friends), or if you just want to stop seeing updates from certain people, you can "Unfollow" them, but keep in mind they will still see all your updates.

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5 - Have some Fun!

Remember - it's called Social Networking for a reason..听 it's social, it's about other people, and the fun chat and social banter between them.听 Don't just be a "watcher" - join in and share some fun of your own..听 News, gossip, photos etc.听 Remember to never share anything too personal, or any private details or logins etc (even to your closest friends), but other than that - don't be scared, get online and enjoy it! 听