Connecting in Modern Times

The truth is that the younger generation is on some kind of screen 24/7. Whether twittering on their phones or facebooking on the computer, they are communicating online far more often than in person, and if parents and grandparents want to stay connected and know what going on in the lives of their young loved ones, they better figure out how to follow along.


One way to keep connected, particularly for family members who are strewn around the world, is to share information through a blog.


A blog, derived from the term “Web log”, is a personal online journal. Increasingly popular since their debut in 1994, blogs can feature any subject. They not only address controversial topics including politics, religion and current events but also fluffier fare about fashion and celebrities. They function as personal diaries, too. Bloggers can change and update their sites at will, and there is not censoring.



Many free sites, like www.livejournal.com, have interactive features that allow blog readers to write comments in response to journal entries, so blogging can be a good way to keep in contact with faraway family and friends. Free blog services also keep an archive, so users can access their previous entries.



Some sites offer a “private” option that permits only certain readers to have access. However, for those who want their opinions and thoughts read by many, befriending unfamiliar bloggers increases traffic to the site and exposure to their writing. In addition to the written entries, bloggers can post images (photos and artwork) and upload links to other sites.



Though it’s estimated that only 5% of bloggers on the Web are older than 50, blogster.com reports that 22% of their users are older than 50. Blogging is not just for communicating with family and friends and the older population is using this form of social media for connecting with others who are like minded.


"When people quit working, their social group shrinks,” he said. “Blogs enable people with similar interests to develop a new social group. Blogging also aids in keeping the brain sharp."

Visit www.blogger.com for more information, and then visit www.createblog.com and blogster.com and http://www.wordpress.com/  for ideas.