Is There Life After Snapchat?

By Megan Valente

I once told someone that I considered Snapchat to be like an online video journal that not only documented the events that constructed my day, but also as a tool of reflection. She then scoffed and told me that was the stupidest thing that she had ever heard. If I’m being honest, I was deeply offended by it, until probably about…last week.

Snapchat has become so integrated into our daily lives that it is no longer surprising to see dog filters and flower crowns littered across our social media on a daily basis. I hear, “Hold on, I need to snap this” at least three to four times a day, and listen to my friends complain that they have to watch so many snapchat stories to clear their notifications. But what if I told you that you were living in a filter clad, destructive world and that the girl above was not entirely wrong?

Social media is a wonderful tool for networking, self-expression and commemorating occasions. However, it has also become a liaison for oversharing and, for lack of a better word, a distraction.

“But how could my Snapchat be distracting me? I get to talk to my friends more and like to take fun pictures of our adventures together. Distraction, pft.”

Put down your pitchforks and trust me – I get it. I too snap quick pics with my friends and like to share the fun things I do, but it has gotten to the point where this app has the ability to hinder life. It can be good for long distance friends but the constant contact with people through your phone can limit things such as, oh I don’t know, real face to face interactions. Actual face, not a face-swapped face.

And even when you do actually venture outside into the world – the world lit by sunlight, not the glowing screen of Netflix – your “coffee date with bae” suddenly turns into a phone fest.

I notice this most at college parties. I think I see more of the blinding lights of other people’s phones from Snapchatting the occasion than actually socializing and having fun.

“Was Carla at the party last night?”
“I didn’t see her, but I think I saw her phone case!”

Anyone can wave a phone around, and then go back to the corner of the room to post and make sure the guy/girl they like saw it, but not everyone can actually have a good time.

So yes, the girl mentioned before was pretty harsh about how stupid my idealization of Snapchat was, but maybe she wasn’t entirely wrong. Spend a week using your actual eyes and not your phone screen to live events. You might even save some battery.

Megan Valente is a lifestyle blogger and barista and is currently attending Montclair State University. Follow her on Twitter at @TheDayILived.

Facebook Leads the Way in Personalized Advertising

By Tracey Dowdy

Ever do a little online shopping then later notice the exact item you were looking at on Amazon has somehow appeared in the side bar on Facebook? Trust me, it’s happening whether you notice or not.

How do they know what ads to send you? Simple – cookies. Virtually every website you visit drops code – or “cookies” – onto your computer. So, as you browse the Internet and click on a member site, it recognizes the cookie, notifies the ad network what you’re up to, then sends you a personalized ad.

But that’s not all. Member sites collate all that information into a database so it intuitively knows your preferences. That’s why the ads are so specific. Facebook takes things one step further because it doesn’t really have to do much to figure out what you like and don’t like. You do that job for them. Every status you Like or makes you Sad is logged. Every photo you Love or news story that makes you Angry is noted. We tell advertisers exactly who we are and what interests us with every click.

You may have also seen notifications that “Dan likes Buzzfeed” or “Jill likes The Washington Post.” Facebook is using your information to target your friends and drive them to the same sites. You have become a Facebook advertiser.

Right now it is possible to opt out of the targeted ads you see but that’s about to change. To opt out, go to your Facebook Settings and select Ads from the column on the left side of your screen. A page will open that allows you to customize your settings for the following areas:

  • Ads based on my use of websites and apps
  • Ads on apps and websites off of the Facebook Companies
  • Ads with my social actions
  • Ads based on my preferences

Simply choose No in the drop down menu for each of the categories. This will turn it off on all devices as the setting is Facebook – not device – specific. Keep in mind you’ll still see the same number of ads, but they won’t be customized according to your browsing history. Sites you visit can still collect information from you but they won’t be able to share it. Also, tracking is cookie-based and so is opting out. Sites drop cookies in your browser telling the site you don’t want to be tracked, so if you’re in the habit of using more than one browser you’ll have to opt on on each.

Maybe you’re one of the 26 percent of U.S. Internet users using ad blocking software. But – and it’s a big “but” – Facebook just announced they will be making it much harder to browse ad-free. Changes to the way Facebook loads ads on to it’s desktop website will make it much more difficult for the software to detect ads.

Andrew “Boz” Bosworth, vice president of Facebook’s ads and business platform, is up front about their ad policies. “Facebook is ad-supported. Ads are a part of the Facebook experience; they’re not a tack on.” Not a “tack on” indeed. This year alone, Facebook reported advertising revenue jumped a whopping 57% in the first quarter to $5.2 billion up from $3.3 billion.

These changes won’t impact mobile devices as they are less vulnerable to ad blocking software and consequently provide a whopping 84% of Facebook’s advertising revenue.

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

Friday, September 30: All About Tablets

MOBILE LIVING TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: TODAY, Friday, September 30, 2016
3:00 – 4:00 pm ET
12:00 – 1:00 pm PT

‘All About Tablets’

Join @RobynsWorld and the VZWBuzz team at 3 pm ET (12 noon PT) on Friday, September 30 as we learn All About Tablets!
We love our smartphones but sometimes bigger really is better. Whether you’re watching a movie, working on-the-move, or FaceTiming friends, we explore why a tablet is the perfect solution for your increasingly mobile lifestyle!
RSVP and participate in the chat for a chance to win a LG TONE Platinum Bluetooth headset or a Sony Xperia Z2 tablet!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: VZWBuzz) and include your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://bit.ly/2badKb7
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) on Friday, September 30 between 3 – 4 pm ET
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon Wireless.)

Friday, September 23: Emergency Preparedness

MOBILE LIVING TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: TODAY, Friday, September 23, 2016
3:00 – 4:00 pm ET
12:00 – 1:00 pm PT

‘Emergency Preparedness’

Join @TheTechDad and the VZWBuzz team at 3 pm ET (12 noon PT) on Friday, September 23 as we chat about Emergency Preparedness!
With TV and newspapers highlighting more frequent health scares and weather-related incidents, it’s important for individuals and families to be prepared in case of an emergency. We look at the important role mobile devices can play, and how they keep us in touch with loved ones, allow us to share information, and help us be ready for any eventuality.
RSVP and join the chat for a chance to win an LG TONE Platinum wireless headset or a Droid MAXX 2 smartphone!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: VZWBuzz) and include your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://bit.ly/2baaCfm
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) on Friday, September 23 between 3 – 4 pm ET
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon Wireless.)

Friday, September 16: Mobile Networking

MOBILE LIVING TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: TODAY, Friday, September 16, 2016
3:00 – 4:00 pm ET
12:00 – 1:00 pm PT

‘Mobile Networking’

Join @RobynsWorld and the VZWBuzz team at 3 pm ET (12 noon PT) on Friday, September 16 as we chat about Mobile Networking!
Whether your preference is Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat or all the above, your smartphone is perfect for on-the-go networking. Join us as we take a look at the best tools for mobile networking and how mobile devices are reshaping our daily interactions with colleagues, family and friends!
RSVP and join the chat for a chance to win Samsung Level U PRO Wireless Headphones or a Droid MAXX 2 smartphone!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: VZWBuzz) and include your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://bit.ly/2ba48xh
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) on Friday, September 16 between 3 – 4 pm ET
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon Wireless.)

Friday, September 2: Taking Your Small Business Mobile

VERIZON MOBILE LIVING TWITTER PARTY

#VZWBuzz

When: TODAY, Friday, September 2, 2016
3:00 – 4:00 pm ET
12:00 – 1:00 pm PT

‘Taking Your Small Business Mobile’

Join @RobynsWorld and the VZWBuzz team at 3 pm ET (12 noon PT) on Friday, September 2 as we chat about Taking Your Small Business Mobile!
Faster networks, smarter devices and an array of helpful apps are allowing tens of thousands of people to establish a more efficient and flexible working environment. We look at the simple steps that can help you join the mobile business revolution!
RSVP and attend the party for a chance to win a Mophie Powerstation portable charger or a state-of-the-art LG V10 smartphone!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: VZWBuzz) and include your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://bit.ly/2bJTrhn
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#VZWBuzz) on Friday, September 2 between 3 – 4 pm ET
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon Wireless.)

Tuesday, August 23: Smart Snacks & Meals

SMART SNACKS & MEALS!

TwitterLogo450

When:  TODAY, Tuesday, August 23, 2016
8:00 – 8:45 pm ET
5:00 – 5:45 pm PT
followed by a 15 minute Facebook Live Recap!
Join @mistygirlph and friends as we get ready for back to school with Smart Snacks and Meals!
It’s almost time for Back to School and nothing helps your kids settle in like good healthy food!
Join us as we share ideas for great snacks and meals that will have everyone in the family asking for more!
RSVP and participate in the chat or Facebook Recap and you will be eligible to win one of TWO School Lunch Gift Packs, courtesy of Sanderson Farms!

 (Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: SandersonFarms) indicating your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://bit.ly/2bkQg1k
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#SandersonFarms) on Tuesday, August 23 between 8:00 – 8:45 pm ET.
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Sanderson Farms.)

Wednesday, August 17: Working from Home

WORKING FROM HOME

#FiOSNY

When:  TODAY, Wednesday, August 17, 2016
9:00 – 10:00 pm ET
6:00 – 9:00 pm PT
Join host @mistygirlph and the #FiOSNY team on Twitter at 9 pm ET on Wednesday, August 17 as we chat about Working from Home!
As more and more people telecommute or spend at least part of their week working from home, it’s essential to have a home network that can keep up. Join us we explore whether your Internet connection is up to the task and why an inexpensive upgrade could make all the difference!
RSVP and attend the chat for a chance to win a Motorola Power Pack charger or an Amazon Echo hands-free speaker!

(Click here to learn more about our Twitter chats. You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)

To RSVP:
  1. Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com (subject line: FiOSNY) indicating your Twitter ID.
  2. Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://bit.ly/2bkK8q4
  3. Join us on TweetDeck or HootSuite (#FiOSNY) on Wednesday, August 17 between 9:00 – 10:00 pm ET.
  4. Tell your Twitter followers!
PRIZE WINNERS will be announced during the Party!

(The Online Mom LLC receives a fee for participating in certain promotional programs for Verizon.)