A meandering post about social media usage

 I remember being an undergrad and writing papers on the Arab Spring. When a litany of citizens used social media, as a means to revolt against their oppressors. It happened so quickly, spreading from post to post, information was shared, spread, acted on in under 24 hours. It was widespread, inspiring, and fast. Social media was a tool for the everyday individual, it was seen as empowering. But social media today is a lot different, that was 12 plus years ago. The optimism so social media a means of revolution aren't as fervent as those past. Now a day one could argue it could be a tool of submission, and tool for control. Power through distraction. As we look into such relationships between social media and cultures and people, it's important to navigate address the area it in which it lies within the societal norms of a group of people. What role does social media play in your life? What role does it play in your grandmothers? 

I enjoy live music and local breweries, that is the primary thing I use social media to keep up with local events, who is playing where/when. Social media is an effective tool for navigating such. I have an aunt who uses it basically as mail, to send and share pictures, and to just check up. Businesses use social media to reach their audience, to have a method of communications between customers and operators. This can vary group to group, person to person, and culture to culture. Social Media is every present, but present differently. 

I have a huge interest in teaching a sharing things that aren't typically taught and shared via institutions. They are very much cultural things, that have evolved out of necessity and acted on by time. Social media enables the individual to share their skill, their culture, because often times they are an essential element to the lesson. It's about the story, their environment, and how they have developed a symbiotic relationship. What is your favorite means to using social media to learn or share ideas?