The Changing Social Media Landscape and You

The news landscape is changing and social media outlets including Facebook and Twitter are becoming a regular part of our everyday lives. Are you making the most of your social media experience?

Join Southington Patch, the and staff from the on Feb. 8 for “Social Media in our Everyday Lives,” a program dedicated to teaching you the benefits of social media to provide instant, up-to-date information on a daily basis.

During the October snowstorm, which caused many road closures and left almost 70 percent of the community without power, sites including for those in the community – even when many people didn’t have access to traditional Internet.

Sgt. Lowell DePalma, the public information officer for Southington police, said the department has been able to use its Facebook and Twitter sites successfully over the past three years to help keep residents informed. As the social media landscape continues to change, he said it has become an important tool in everyday life.

“It’s very unique and extremely helpful because the use of social media helps reduce any delay that could come with sending press releases to media outlets,” DePalma said.

“When you send the information to a newspaper, it takes time for them to receive it and won’t be printed until the next day. Using this, the release of information is almost instant.”

At Southington Patch, we take great pride in delivering you the latest, most up-to-date news around the community. The use of cell phones and Internet apps on smart products allowed many in town to follow us during the storm.

The program will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the library’s program room. The event is free and the public is welcomed. Bring your questions and learn more about social media and how to enjoy getting the latest information everyday.

We hope to see you there!

Have a question about how to use Southington Patch? Simply want to learn more about the benefits Patch can provide? Local Editor Jason Vallee hosts special office hours in the community each week and is happy to from you. Just reach out by email at jason.vallee@patch.com.