Social Media Timeline
2007-2009
Desktop Computer
- First exposed me to the internet and allowed me to play online computer games with my friends.
- I shared this computer with my parents and my younger brother, as this was the only computer we owned.
- I used the desktop computer to play Toontown, Webkinz, and Club Penguin.
- My parents encouraged me to use the Internet and my friends invited me to play computer games with them.
- My parents were aware of my computer use since this was the only computer we had.
Youtube
- YouTube was created in 2005 and bought by Google in 2006.
- I used YouTube to watch official music videos and lyric videos of my favorite songs.
- YouTube also allowed me to listen to music for free, which was helpful when I did not own an iPod.
- My parents were aware of how I used YouTube because they taught me how to search for videos and trusted my judgement of the videos I decided to watch.
Gmail Account
- Created in 2004 by Google
- My Gmail account allowed me to communicate with my friends and family whenever I wanted.
- I still have this gmail account, but don’t use it very often because I don’t like the username- alzapal@gmail.com.
- I used Gmail to email my friends about school or to make plans for the weekend. I also used Gmail to email my family members that did not live in Minnesota.
- My friends invited me to join Gmail because they wanted a way to communicate with me other than talking on our house phones.
- My parents were aware and helped me create my first Gmail account.
iPod Touch
- The first version of the iPod was created in 2007 by Apple
- I got an iPod touch for Hanukkah from my parents to listen to music, play games, and surf the Internet.
- I especially used Youtube to watch the new Jonas Brothers music videos, which were my favorite artist at the time.
- My parents were aware of my iPod touch usage because they were the ones that purchased my iPod touch and I had to ask for their permission to download apps.
2010-2011
First Phone- LG Ally
- Created in 2010 by Android
- I got my first phone in the middle of sixth grade from my parents.
- I was the last of my friends to get a phone because my parents didn’t think that I needed one since they always knew what I was doing.
- All of my friends were jealous of my phone because it was touch screen, while everyone else’s phones were flip phones.
- I used my phone to text my friends to make plans, call my friends and family, and take pictures.
- I also had a few games that I played on my phone.
- My parents were aware of my phone usage, especially because I wasn’t allowed to have my phone in my room after I went to bed.
iPad
- The first iPad was released in April 2010
- I got my first iPad in 7th grade with the money I received from my Bat Mitzvah.
- I used my iPad to watch Youtube videos, watch Netflix, read books, take pictures, and listen to music.
- My parents encouraged me to get an iPad because I was able to use it for various purposes and it was portable which enabled me to be connected whenever
- My parents were aware of my iPad usage because they were the ones that helped me purchase the iPad and I had to ask for permission to download apps.
Kik
- Kik Messenger was founded in 2009.
- Since I did not have an iPhone, I used Kik to message my friends on my iPod touch and iPad.
- Kik was easy to use because it only required an email to message others instead of a phone number.
- This allowed me to connect with those on a platform other than my phone.
- My parents were not aware of my Kik usage because they didn’t understand the need for a second messaging app.
2012-2014
- Instagram was first created in October 2010 and was purchased by Facebook in 2012.
- I used Instagram to share pictures with my friends and family.
- This platform allowed me to connect with my friends that I didn’t go to school with and my family members that did not live in Minnesota
- I also used this platform to see what my friends were doing and create new friendships through following people from my school.
- My parents were not aware of my Instagram because they were stricter on the social media platforms I was allowed to be on. I told my parents about my Instagram after I created it.
Snapchat
- Snapchat was created in June 2011.
- I first created a Snapchat account in 8th grade.
- I used Snapchat to send pictures and videos to my close friends.
- Snapchat allowed me maintain current relationships with my friends and create new ones through starting Snapchat conversations with those I didn’t know as well.
- My parents were aware of my Snapchat account because I had to ask their permission to create one, however did not understand how Snapchat was used.
iPhone 4s (First iPhone)
- The iPhone 4s was released in October of 2011.
- I got my first iPhone in 8th grade, and it completely changed the way I interacted with my friends and family.
- All of my applications and messages were on my phone, which allowed for easy access to all of my different social media platforms.
- I used my iPhone to text my friends, call my parents, post pictures on Instagram, send pictures and videos on Snapchat, watch Youtube videos, and listen to music.
- My parents were aware of my phone usage because they were the ones who purchased my phone and had access to see what I was doing on my phone.
- Facebook was created in February 2004
- I got a Facebook at the very end of 8th grade.
- Facebook was the last social media platform I got because my parents were worried about the lack of privacy on the platform.
- I used Facebook to create photo albums, message friends, and create new relationships by “friending” those who went to my school.
- My parents were aware of my Facebook account because they helped me create it.
2016
Spotify
- Spotify was created in 2006 in Stockholm, Sweden
- I used Spotify to stream music on my phone, which lessened my need for YouTube or iTunes.
- I also am able to follow my friends and family on Spotify, which expose me to new music and allow me to expand my musical knowledge
- My parents are aware of my Spotify usage because we all share a family account.
2019
Tik Tok
- Tik Tok was created in September 2016
- I use Tik Toks to make dancing videos with my friends, watch my friends’ videos, and watch funny videos on the “For You” page.
- My parents are not aware of my Tik Tok because I am now allowed to download whatever I want on my phone since I am an adult. I have shared Tik Tok videos that I have created with my parents, however, they do not understand how the app works.
Reflection
Currently, I have three devices- my iPhone, my iPad, and my Macbook Pro, however, I only use my iPhone and Macbook. I don’t use my iPad anymore because I am able to do the same activities on my iPhone and Macbook, and I have easier access to these activities on those two devices. I always have my Macbook with my because I also use it for my schoolwork. I currently have over 10 online profiles, ranging from Instagram and Facebook to Netflix. I spend about four hours per day online.
In the future, I hope to spend less time online, as I feel like I am wasting my time in a virtual world instead of enjoying the physical world. I want to focus more on my in-person relationships, and continue to explore new places without staying in the comfort of my own home. I hope that the amount of privacy we have online increases, as the amount of data companies have collected about me makes me very uncomfortable. I also hope that we are able to use online platforms for more good in the world, such as spreading information about how to help the environment.
