1 · Tech Seminars / 1c
Day Three Curriculum

Social Media — Learn, Connect & Have Fun

A friendly introduction to what social media is, why it can be useful, and how to use it safely.

Welcome

  • Introduction about me, about my project and why it's important
  • Helps reduce loneliness and social isolation
  • Keeps people connected with family and friends
  • Support brain health through learning new skills
  • neuroplasticity-the brain continues learning throughout life.
  • Improves safety through emergency set up, awareness about scams, and understanding what AI is and how it can help.
Participation is Welcome!
Fill Out "BEFORE" Class Survey

1. Icebreaker

2. What is Social Media?

Social media is a place on the internet where people connect with other people. Think of it as a family reunion + scrapbook + community bulletin board + telephone all in one.

Use it to keep in touch with family and friends, share and view photos, learn new things, explore hobbies, find groups and local activities.

Remember: You decide how much or how little you participate!

3. Why Can Social Media Be Good for Seniors?

  • Staying socially connected is an important part of healthy aging.
  • Learn new things.

Remember: You Don't Have to Post! You can simply enjoy looking at photos, watching videos, or reading posts. You can also “Like” without posting anything yourself.

4. Social Media Tour

  • Facebook: Best for family, friends, community groups, local events, churches, and reunions.
  • Instagram: Best for photos, travel, gardening, pets, art, cooking, and hobbies. You don't have to know someone to follow them; simply follow topics you enjoy.
  • YouTube: Think of it as a giant free video classroom! Learn cooking, guitar, yoga, chair exercises, painting, history, woodworking, travel, and almost any hobby.
  • TikTok: Short, entertaining videos about humor, cooking, gardening, history, travel, and more.
  • Pinterest: A giant digital idea board for crafts, quilting, decorating, gardening, recipes, and DIY projects.
  • Nextdoor: Connects you with your neighborhood for local events, recommendations, lost pets, alerts, and community news.
Caution: Not everything you see is accurate. Always verify important health and medical information.

5. Five Helpful Social Media Tricks

  1. You control what you see - Algorithms
  2. You can “unfollow” someone without them knowing.
  3. You don't have to accept friend requests. If you don't recognize someone, don't accept. Always verify first.
  4. You can save posts.
  5. You can make the text bigger!

6. Staying Safe Online — This Is Very Important!!

The biggest danger isn't usually the technology; it's people trying to trick you.

  • Never send money to someone online without checking who they are.
  • Never give out banking information.
  • Never share passwords.
  • Never believe everything you read.
  • Never click suspicious links.
STOP · THINK · VERIFY
If something seems strange, urgent, frightening, or too good to be true, ask someone you trust before responding.

7. Think Before You Share

Before posting or sharing, ask: Is it TRUE? Is it KIND? Is it NECESSARY? Do I want everyone to see this?

Take Aways

1. Social media is about connecting with people.
2. Social connection can help reduce loneliness and keep us engaged.
3. You don't have to post — browsing is perfectly fine!
4. You control who you follow and much of what you see.
5. Stay curious, but stay cautious.
6. Visit the VJCC website for programs, events, and resources.

Most importantly: Start small, explore what interests you, and don't be afraid to ask for help!