Blogs in a Blog
What is a blog?
A blog is a regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style. The main purpose of a blog is to connect the author to the relevant audience.
There are many blogs and groups out there specifically related to brain injury. Here we hope to guide you toward one that might give you comfort, information, or encourage you to start writing your experience to connect with others!
Research on Social Media & Brain Injury
Researchers reflect that "social media tools, including social networking sites (SNSs) (eg, Facebook), blogs (eg, Tumblr), online content communities (eg, YouTube), and online forums (eg, Google Hangouts), encourage communication where users can exchange information, connect to resources, and create social networks based on common interests." This study of a large cohort of persons with moderate to severe TBI demonstrated a high rate of Internet and social media use, primarily via smartphones. However, people with TBI may be disproportionately affected by factors associated with Internet nonuse in the general population such as older age, rural residence, and lower levels of education and income.
Remember to be cautious around internet and social media use. Since persons with TBI are particularly prone to problems with self-regulation, they may be at increased risk for the development of problematic Internet use, exploitation, or abuse. Remain aware of problematic Internet use, including excessive time spent online, perceptions of online friends that may prompt feelings of envy, links to depression and loneliness, and possible increased exposure to cyberbullying.
Staying Safe Online
- Don’t post any personal information online – like your address, email address or mobile number.
- Think carefully before posting pictures or videos of yourself. Once you’ve put a picture of yourself online most people can see it and may be able to download it, it’s not just yours anymore.
- Keep your privacy settings as high as possible
- Never give out your passwords
- Don’t befriend people you don’t know
- Don’t meet up with people you’ve met online. Speak to your parent, spouse, guardian, friend, or carer about people suggesting you do
- Remember that not everyone online is who they say they are
- Think carefully about what you say before you post something online
- Respect other people’s views, even if you don’t agree with someone else’s views doesn’t mean you need to be rude
For more information and tools, visit Connect Safely, Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, or Change.
Other Ways to Get Involved
- Find a Facebook Group related to brain injury
- Start your own blog or write for other blogs, magazines, or newsletters
- Investigate other types of social media including Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, YouTube, etc.