Social media can be one way to keep in touch with family, friends, neighbors, and groups that share an interest. It is a choice, not a requirement: phone calls, texts, email, letters, and in-person visits are also meaningful ways to connect.
Choose a comfortable way to participate
People use social platforms to share photos, follow local organizations, join hobby groups, or send private messages. Start with one feature that feels useful. You can also simply read updates without posting, or decide that another way of communicating suits you better.
Decide what you want to share
Check the account’s privacy options and choose who can see posts, photos, and profile details. Be thoughtful about sharing a home address, travel plans, financial details, or a live location. A post may be copied or shared beyond the audience you intended, even if you later remove it.
Check requests and urgent stories
A familiar name or photo does not prove who is behind an account. Be cautious with unexpected friend requests, requests for money, and urgent messages, including those that appear to come from friends or family. Contact the person another way before acting, and never send a verification code to someone who asks for it.
Use the tools that help you feel in control
Platforms usually offer ways to limit comments, block or report an account, and adjust who can contact you. The names of settings change, so look in the platform’s current privacy or safety help. You can take a break, change a setting, or ask a trusted person to help review it.
This article describes general online communication and privacy habits; it does not endorse a particular social media company or replace the platform’s current help and safety information.