Technology

Using Alternative Apps and Shared Albums Instead of Mainstream Social Media

Even before the recent TikTok ban and the Surgeon General’s mental health concerns, public attitudes to social media have evolved. Many people are moving to online communities on less populated networks such as: next Often to escape the overload of influencers, advertisers, data mining and political conflicts that dominate large mainstream platforms.

Facebook Other sites offer the ability to create private groups. However, if you’re looking for a change, special memberships are available to set up your own ad-free personal space elsewhere. Here’s what you can do:

Before jumping into your own microsocial network, think about what it might look like. Is your group mostly posting photos or are you looking for a place to share status updates, photos, videos and links?And how does a user manage his iPhone, Android phone or tablet? , login to the desktop browser?

Then search the app store for “private photo sharing” or “private social media” to see your options.

Even if your group is comfortable, just stick to the familiar methods like: WhatsApp groups, Messages apps, or reply-all emails, increased social activity can be costly for those with limited data or messaging plans. And if your focus is on sharing photos, be sure to consider apps and services with adequate file storage, or options to purchase additional space.

Private social media apps work much like larger platforms for sharing status updates, comments, photos and videos (although they may lack tools like photo filters and video effects). You pay a small fee in some cases, but you can share without ads and worry less about your personal information.

for example, Kin The private space host must purchase a subscription, but anyone else can join the group for free. Kin “spaces” include storyline feeds, chat features, and other familiar tools for members to share photos and comments. Pricing starts at $4/month for a plan with 50GB storage and unlimited members.

photo circle This is another option for a more visual circle of friends and family. There is an ad-supported version of the app, but if you upgrade to the PhotoCircle+ subscription for about $8 per person per year, the ads will disappear and you can focus on everyone’s great photos.

If your primary purpose is to share photos everyone Families that include people without smartphones or less tech-savvy still have options.

For example both Google Photos and apple photo The app supports shared photo albums, allowing multiple people to add, view, and comment on photos in that album from browsers on mobile phones, tablets, and computers. Use the shared album settings when creating a new album, give the album a name, and add the email address of the person you want to see the photos. Once you’ve accepted the invitation, you’ll be able to see your photos and be alerted when new images are added.

Similarly, you can share browser-based photo albums with selected users. drop box, flicker, shutter fly There are also many other online storage services that you may already be using.

But what if you have family members with very limited tolerance for technology? Still, would anyone still want to see it? every day A single baby or a vacation photo? An internet-connected digital photo frame could be the solution.

Wirecutter, a product review site run by The New York Times, tested several digital photo frames and recommended a $150 product. aura carver A model with a crisp 10.1-inch screen and easy setup. $200 Aura Mason The frame was also noted for its ability to display photos in portrait orientation. Once your frame is connected to the internet for your recipients, you and the rest of your family can upload thousands of photos to your frame. Aura smartphone app.

Another reason to use private social spaces is to keep selected people updated on major life milestones. For example, you can use non-profit organizations. caring bridge A platform for creating a free, secure, ad-free site for sharing serious health news with friends and family.

Perhaps new parents are the ones who generate the most privacy-hungry photos. There are many apps for that. family album(free or $5/month Premium version for features such as long videos), honeycomb (free) and sprout (Free, iPhone only).

Whatever app or service you use, read the company’s privacy policy carefully to make sure it’s security is locked to the world outside of your chosen group. Even if you decide to stick with your old social media platform, be sure to also review the privacy and security controls there. Wirecutter also has guides for major social media and messaging apps.

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