Waterford Social media experts’ tips for how to stay sane on the internet 

Waterford Social media strategists’ tips for how to stay sane on the internet 

Denise Whitmore is the founder of the Social Media Department, a digital marketing strategy business. 

Although her job is to help businesses improve their social media, she is not afraid to speak out about the negative side of social media.

Speaking to the Waterford News & Star, she said: “With every single technology, there’s going to be a bad side. It was the same with TV’s, the same with radio, everything.” 

However, Denise takes a balanced approach when it comes to online life. 

She said: “I’m not worried about where social media is going to go. I think what’s going to happen is authenticity will become the currency. I’m already telling my clients this: show behind the scenes, show the person behind the brand.” 

When it comes to AI, Denise is cautiously optimist: “AI is just a tool, just like a ghostwriter for a book. But people need to be honest and transparent if they’re using it.”

 “It’s hard to stand out amongst the noise. Disaster and emotion will make people pay attention. But so will comedy.”

Although being online is a large part of her job, Denise has strict boundaries with her phone. She advised: “Be strict with where you open up the phone, leave it in the kitchen for a while, let it go dead for a while."

Denise noted that she is not alone in this approach. 

“Look at the wellness business, its thriving. Any apps, any technology to do with wellness, the stocks are skyrocketing.”

She also thinks that people need to reflect before sharing content online. She said: “Pause before you share, especially if something shocks you.

They way we use social media may be changing as well, according to Denise. 

She said: “Dark social media is also on the rise. Private WhatsApp groups and Discord. But the problem with that is that it can become an echo chamber.” 

“It’s down to self-discipline and education. I follow people on social media that I don’t agree with because it’s important to see what the other side are saying."

If you would like to chat with Denise about your social media strategy, you can do so by visiting her website here.