Digital Media in Our

LivesSarah Granger

Author, The Digital Mystique

What is Digital Life?Manifestation of our real lives, onlineExploration, networking, communityConnection to those who mean most to youOpportunities to learn and branch outBoundless information

Connecting is Just the Beginning

Most people are now on e-mail, searching the web, and one social network or moreWe value the connections we already have and want to maintain and improve themWhat are your goals for your life online?How do you want to spend your time?

What the Critics SayCritics of the Internet and digital life focus on the dangers and the unknownSafety and security, privacy and anonymity are at stakeIs it really your life or a facsimile?It’s full of haters and negative energy

PerspectiveThe critics are not wrong, but they’re not rightAfter move than 30 years online, I feel benefits mostly positiveWorked on back end of technology, on Internet companies and digital publications—seen it allAlways risks, but they’re usually worth it

Getting Drawn In…I’ve been online since age nineMade many of my best friends onlineBuilt my relationship with my husband partly onlineMy online community kept me sane (and arguably, alive) during darkest times of my life

Inventing .YOUDevelop a vision for what you want to reflect onlinePick a place to call home online Create and share digital content that reflects the authentic youControl your digital identity through all kinds of online content—text, images, audio, and videoOptimize content for search engines, secure your access

Your Digital PersonaProfile photoProfile summary / descriptionAuthentic contentSharing ideas and information interesting to youFollowing and connecting with others

The Right Social Network(s) for You?

Facebook – Friends, common interests, causesYouTube – VideosTwitter – Media, real-timeLinkedIn – Business, networkingPinterest – Images, bloggers, projectsInstagram – Photos, themes, key ideas

Friending is TrendingFind and connect with your friends apart from public followersGroup friends based on closeness, interestsShare only whatever is comfortable to you, and be careful not to over-shareDon’t get hung up on comments and “likes” If you make a social error online, fix it immediately

Love in the Time of Messaging

We all need words, images, and sounds to communicate well, particularly in romantic relationshipsIt takes time and practice to learn to communicate romantically onlineWe now have more options available than ever to meet prospective partners onlineWhen in doubt, take it offline

The Kids are OnlineProtect your child’s digital footprint & identity from day 1Keep communicating with your kids about digital media, how and why they’re using itStay on the lookout for cyberbullying, identity theft, and other threatsDigital natives will always be 1 step aheadModel positive digital etiquette as parents

Family Digital PoliciesStaying in touch with parentsLimiting screen timeEthical use of technologyDevices live where everyone can see themNever undressing with a camera present

The Senior MomentSeniors are spending more time online, with half of U.S. adults over sixty-five online and 43 percent using social media Teaching seniors to use digital media is well worth the timeSeniors need to understand the importance of basic security practices, like password protectionThe Internet is great for all ages

The Passion of the WebYou can find ways to indulge in almost any passion, hobby, activity, or interest onlineThe Internet is great for all kinds of laughs—not just LOL CatsWe’ve almost gotten to the point where you can find any show, any song, or any video in digital mediaNow you can design your home, collect art, find new recipes, and enjoy sports online at any time

There’s No Business Like E-Business

Keep business and personal digital life separate—separate e-mail and separate time for digital projectsBuild any social media strategy with your short- and long-term goals in mindDon’t be afraid to advertise and raise money online—take it slowly, iterating as neededAlways assume your business will be seen by others, so keep it positive and authentic with your brand

Digital Media Strategies for Business

E-mail lists, outreachWebsite / business home onlineBlogging, outgoing contentSocial networks appealing to your audienceInfluencers, customers, connectors, supporters

Community is the KeyFinding the right community or communities and social networks for you can take time, but it’s worth the effortBlogging can open amazing doorsThe Internet is not immune to gender biasDon’t feed the trollsCommunity is the key to a thriving digital life

The Difference a Tweet Makes

If you want to make a difference in your community, you can do it online Political candidates, government organizations, and nonprofit causes are all online nowDigital engagement can raise awareness and get attention from government officials and decision-makersStay informed—Internet policy issues are also about you

HashtagsJust like search termsKey words and phrasesThemes and conceptsExcellent for current events

What We Leave BehindTake advantage of digital media to leave a legacy for your familyDon’t be afraid to lean on your online community for support in times of griefSharing public remembrances can make a big impactCurate your own legacy, keeping digital documents and images in mind

Social Media Dependence

Overuse is a real thingThink about what you really want people to seeTake a Technology Shabbat or a digital detox vacationGet help if it causes problems in your life

A Stitch in Digital TimePrioritize your time online based on your goalsCurate your content so it’s meaningful, usefulSpend time with the people & communities meaningful to youPay it forward / What you put in will come back to you

It All Goes Back to .YOURemember your goalsThink about how you want to spend your time--online and offBe your authentic self and reap the rewardsAlways think about your audience: friends, colleagues, etc.

The Digital MystiqueHow the Culture of Connectivity Can Empower Your Life—Online and Off

Questions / DiscussionSarah Grangerwww.sarahgranger.comTwitter: @sarahgrangerFacebook: Sarah Granger AuthorPinterest / Instagram: segranger