Will You Be My Friend?

Terminology of Social Media?

Social media comes with its own language. That language can vary over time and by platform. What are some social media terms you know that might be confusing to older adults? Ironically, the term friend is one that can be confusing.

Review and share this popular video that demonstrates a misunderstanding of the term "friend" in social media. Consider asking people what they think a "friend" is before watching the video together.

There was an old commercial spoof of facebook where an older woman was unfriending people by pulling their pictures off a wall where she had taped them. That seems silly to us but older adults who have not used social media may not have a concept of what a "friend" is. Being a friend on social media can also be abused. Cybercriminals can use friend requests to ultimately dupe or trick other people. It's a good example of a term that people need to understand and manage when using social media.

You can begin by explaining to older adults that having a "friend" on social media doesn't necessarily mean that you are close friends in real life. You might be real-life friends or family, but being a friend on social media typically means you are connected on that platform. "Being connected" might also need an explanation. You understand that being connected means that you and your friends can see each other's posts, photos, and updates.

Just because you are friends on one social media platform, does not mean you are friends on all of them. Professionals on LinkedIn have "connections," not friends. On other sites, like Instagram, you "follow" people.