As I have previously mentioned, I love my iPhone. On my recent trip to the Bay Area, I found it very useful as a digital scrapbook. Instead of having to write down all of my activities, remember where I took certain pictures, and write people postcards, I could instead use Notes, Instagram, Foursquare, Facebook, and Twitter. I have to admit, however, that I was a bit skeptical to “be connected” to the internet world all the time, but after my trip, I have to say it was wonderful.
1. Notes – Although this app is preloaded on all machines, it is a staple for remembering things. With its simple design, I was easily able to record memories, websites to check out, and items of value that I needed to remember.
2. Instagram – This is one of my favorite iPhone apps! Not only does it let me take pictures and filter them to my desire, but it also lets me share to Foursquare, Facebook, Twitter, an email address, Tumblr, and Flickr in one simple click! I took pictures of animals, produce, landscapes, and landmarks while I was in San Francisco and at my family’s house, and it was great to share those pictures with them digitally so easily.
3. Foursquare – I was skeptical to this app at first. Why would I want people to know where I was? As it turns out, the Foursquare app is much more than that. Because I was on a trip and was being a tourist sometimes, I got to check into places like the Fisherman’s Wharf sign (and upload a photo), the California Academy of Sciences, and several grocery stores. Some stores offer deals and discounts for checking in, while others, like the CAS, offered a few digital booklet including the events, a map, and other external links. It also took me to a page where I could download the Golden Gate Park App! Also, checking into places far apart (like airports across the country) and new places earns you tons of points, so I am in first place among my followers!
4. Facebook – This app is the ultimate social network, as it’s 600 million users know. This all allowed me to connect with my friends while in a different time zone and also check-in, post pictures, and change my status. I uploaded a video of the famous Pier 39 sea lions, pictures of the bay, and stated how I am now rooting for the Canucks to win the Stanley Cup after watching Tampa Bay lose to Boston!
5. Twitter – Twitter is in fact my favorite social networking tool. As it’s 200 million global users know, Twitter is used as a tool to find out just what people are doing. Throughout my trip, I channeled Twitter’s San Francisco roots while in the city and tweeted about what I was doing, what I found interesting, and attached pictures of landmarks while walking around on my dreary day. Whilst in the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, I tweeted about how there were no food places open and I was starving! Follow @abbeydufoe on Twitter to follow my obviously intellectual tweets. I also post stuff from my other blogs, photos, books I’m reading, and internet articles I find interesting. I often re-tweet bands I follow (@JoelMadden, @ladygaga, @yelyahwilliams), environmental news (@TreeHugger, @water, @nonprofitcoffee), and other random accounts (@rainnwilson, @PSUBrandywine, @WeArePSUWater, @googlestudents).
All in all, I love social media. I love that I can go away to another time zone and still connect with friends and relatives on the other coast. I hope you enjoy my Twitter feed, and it wouldn’t hurt to check out the other feeds either!
Abbey Dufoe 