As genealogists, we're no strangers to falling down research rabbit holes. One census record leads to another; suddenly, it's 3 AM. But there's another type of rabbit hole that's becoming increasingly common in our community - mindless social media scrolling.
Let's make 2025 the year we transform our social media habits from passive scrolling to meaningful engagement. After all, social media platforms were designed to help us connect – something that's particularly vital in the genealogy community where collaboration and resource sharing can break down decades-old brick walls.
The Power of Engagement Over Posting
Here's a truth that might surprise you. Engagement is actually more valuable than posting. While regular content keeps your profile active, it's the meaningful interactions that build real connections within our community. When genealogical societies share their collections or announce new resources, it's the discussions in the comments that often lead to breakthrough discoveries or connect researchers working on related family lines.
The Case for Bulk Scheduling
One strategy I've found particularly effective, both for myself and my clients, is bulk scheduling social media content. Here's why it works:
It frees up your "active" social media time for genuine engagement
You can maintain a consistent presence without daily posting tasks
Your social media time becomes more purposeful and focused
Societies and professional genealogists can plan their content around upcoming events, new collections, or research tips
Breaking the Scroll Cycle
We've all been there – you open Facebook or Instagram to check one thing, and suddenly an hour has vanished. You've seen dozens of posts but haven't meaningfully engaged with any of them. This passive consumption isn't just a time sink; it's a missed opportunity for connection.
Instead, try this approach:
Schedule dedicated social media time (perhaps 30-60 minutes, 2-3 times per week)
Use this time specifically for engagement: commenting, responding, and having real conversations
Focus on quality interactions rather than quantity of posts seen
Look for opportunities to share your expertise or help fellow researchers
Learning to Be Social Again
Ironically, some of us need to learn how to be social on social media. True engagement means:
Asking thoughtful questions about others' research
Sharing relevant experiences or resources
Celebrating others' genealogical discoveries
Contributing to discussions with meaningful insights
Making It Work for Societies
For historical and genealogical societies, intentional social media use is particularly crucial. Your followers aren't just looking for announcements – they're looking for connection to the broader genealogical community. When you engage meaningfully with your audience, you're not just promoting your resources; you're building a community of researchers who feel invested in your society's mission.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we enter 2025, let's commit to being more intentional with our social media use. Here's what that might look like:
Pre-scheduling your content so you can focus on engagement
Setting specific times for social media interaction
Measuring success by meaningful connections rather than post frequency
Using social media as a tool for collaboration rather than just consumption
Remember, every moment we save from mindless scrolling is a moment we can spend breaking down those stubborn brick walls in our family research. Let's make our social media time count!
How are you planning to make your social media use more intentional in 2025? Share your strategies in the comments below!
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