While a lot is said about using these sites in moderation and how people can become addicted, they have become an excellent platform of keeping in touch for people who may not be able to get out too often or people who are ill or those living abroad. The sense is there that you can still be a part of someone’s world while not actually being there and that is what most of us love about social media.

Mums especially are going online more often and it has become a normal part of their day but what is it that we actually love about it and why?

Escapism

Social media gives you the platform to be instantly transformed to another place by looking at people’s videos and photos. Granted we may all feel a weeny bit jealous from time to time looking at some of our friend's posts but for the most part it allows us to dream and escape the norm for a while. The world is beautiful and it is great that we can share parts of it with others who can’t see it in person.

We all have the “friends” who are a laugh a minute with their daily ramblings and rant- coupled with the comments that follow, it creates an entertaining arena. Admit it we might not divulge our whole private lives on social media but by God is it hilarious when others do.

Heart-warming and Humorous

Now with funny pictures with brilliantly executed slogans and videos chronicling a baby’s first steps or a poor unfortunate falling over a step you never have to be bored again. Hours can pass while you read articles and watch videos and you do wonder what you did before social media.

Connecting and reconnecting with friends

The days of never seeing a friend again once you have moved on have gone and social media allows long distant friendships to survive. Rather than letter writing and constant emails back and forth to friends far and near you can just put up a single status and keep connections with everyone. At a time when a lot of people have moved away from home this is vital to their everyday life and makes the home sickness much easier.

Community

Every local town now has a media page and it serves a great purpose in keeping people up to date on crime or local events. You can become a pillar of your community from the comfort of your own home and complain about town problems or raise awareness for a fundraising event for deserving causes with such ease, at a time when families are busier than ever this is imperative to communities and their spirit overall.

Bragging and boasting 

While many would disagree we do use social media a bit for showcasing our kids mostly and some boast about their latest gift or gadget. Everything in moderation is true here as no one appreciates a person bragging on a daily basis. Certainly wishing your 2 year old “Happy birthday” on Facebook, even though they are too young to read is debatable but part of the attraction of social media is freedom of speech and it is your page after all!

Unwashed but still able to socialise

The laptop doesn’t give a damn if you smell like baby milk or have a hint of poop on your shirt, anything goes and that is the beauty of it. We can chat to friends, laugh and spend hours engaging in conversation without having to put on make-up. For busy Mammy’s this is a win win and after the kids have gone to bed you can pour a glass of wine and have a much deserved drink with your other pals behind a screen.

Written by Irish mummy blogger and staff writer at  www.familyfriendlyhq.ie 
Check out her blog emmasmadjotters.com