I’m not really a social media person. Been said by others above, there’s just a lot of grubby stuff on there, people looking to pump their own tires up etc. I manage my own business and use it (Facebook n Insta). I’m also on a private dragons fan group in Facebook but that’s pretty much all I post on, I post a bit more on Instagram personally - I find there’s less rubbish on there. As for Twitter, I’d rather take a cheese grater to my genitals and dunk them in dettol.
I didn’t really consider LU as social media. But I suppose in some ways it is, considering the variety of topics to chat about. And in writing this, I agree it’s very much a social media platform - a good one!
I don’t know anyone personally on LU, stumbled across it years ago and signed up. I did it for a few years, then was off it for almost a decade until I dived back in a few years ago.
The main difference from my early days to present day is that back then (around 2005/6 etc) .. people were more engaging and conversive.
You could have a forum chat with a lot of people that chewed over any kind of subject, like mates would at a pub, you’d have the odd slanging match though but generally in good humour. And there were a lot of folk with clever wit and a sharp tongue (eg Iggy Plop, Croydon Dog Food).
These days, while I still enjoy LU, it’s less social and far more argumentative. And to me, it’s probably due to the advent of social media (and the evolution of mainstream media) into a megaphone for outrage, discontent, etc.
The pool of sharp wit has diminished in favour of people just shitting on each other. Differences of opinion are fine, and I enjoy discussing them, but the art of conversation and debate is sadly diminishing - instead we see people trying to be the loudest, and angriest - thinking that’s how to “win”. Same in the mainstream media. Prime example - Paul Kent.
I’m always very mindful that, as I don’t know anyone on here, I don’t know if they are 15 or 65 years old, their background or anything. I try to be as respectful as possible and never think that my opinion is above someone else’s’ - unless they confuse opinion with fact... which a lot of people do.
If someone says something I agree with, I’ll reply to their post saying so. Being supportive. If I don’t agree I may reply as to what my views are and why... But whether I agree or not, its always about recognising the opinions of others and engaging them in a respectful way. Which is supportive, not oppressive.
I have been “chased” a lot by many LU users who try to bait me into a fight on whatever I’ve written... if it’s respectful or in good humour I’ll happy return serve. But when it’s simpleton, “you’re an idiot” stuff , I’ll usually ignore them but then again I might light a cannon or two in return fire.
All in all, while the dynamic on LU had changed a lot since I joined up, I do still enjoy the forums and engaging with a lot of folk here on a variety of topics. There’s plenty of good people in here, something I recognise.
