Title: Social Media Basics (Facebook, YouTube)

Welcome back! In our last lesson, you learned how to use three powerful everyday apps: Maps, Calendar, and Notes. Each of those helps you stay organized and independent.
Today, we’re moving into something even more exciting — social media apps. These apps help you connect with people, stay entertained, and discover new things.
We’ll focus on two of the most popular ones for seniors:
• Facebook: For keeping in touch with family and friends.
• YouTube: For watching videos on any topic you can imagine.
By the end of this lesson, you’ll know how to open and use Facebook and YouTube with confidence.
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Step 1: What Is Social Media?
Social media is a way to connect with people online.
• Instead of calling or texting, you can see updates, photos, and videos from your family and friends.
• You can also share your own updates, photos, and thoughts with them.
• Social media also lets you join groups of people who share your hobbies, faith, or interests.
Think of it like a community bulletin board — but digital, and much bigger.
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Step 2: Getting Started with Facebook
Opening the App
• Look for the Facebook app — a blue square with a white lowercase “f.”
• Tap it once to open.
👉 If you don’t already have an account, you may need help setting one up. A family member can walk you through entering your name, email, and password.
Home Screen
When you open Facebook, you’ll see a feed — a list of posts from your friends and groups.
• Scroll up and down to see new posts.
• Tap on photos or videos to see them larger.
• Tap “Like” (thumbs up) to show you enjoyed a post.
• Tap “Comment” to type a reply.
Adding Friends
• Tap the Friends icon (two little people) at the top.
• You’ll see suggestions or requests from people who know you.
• Tap Add Friend to connect.
👉 Quick Tip: Only add people you actually know — to keep your account safe.
Posting an Update
Want to share something yourself?
1. At the top of your home screen, tap “What’s on your mind?”
2. Type your message.
3. Tap Post to share.
You can also tap the camera icon to share a photo.
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Step 3: Using YouTube
YouTube is like the world’s biggest TV, but you get to choose what to watch.
Opening the App
• Look for the YouTube icon — a white play button inside a red square.
• Tap to open.
Searching for Videos
1. At the top, tap the search bar (magnifying glass).
2. Type what you want to watch. For example: “How to bake banana bread” or “Elvis Presley songs.”
3. Tap on a video from the list to play it.
👉 Quick Tip: You can also tap the microphone icon and say what you’re looking for.
Controlling the Video
• Tap the screen once to pause or play.
• Turn your phone sideways for a bigger view.
• Scroll down to see more videos that are similar.
Subscribing to Channels
If you find a channel you like (for example, cooking or travel videos):
• Tap the Subscribe button below the video.
• This way, their new videos will appear in your feed automatically.
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Step 4: Practice Together
Let’s do a short practice routine:
1. Open Facebook and scroll through your feed. Tap “Like” on one post and write one short comment.
2. Open YouTube and search for a video on a topic you enjoy. Play it, pause it, and try turning your phone sideways.
3. Bonus: Subscribe to one channel that looks interesting.
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Real-Life Example
I once worked with a student named Betty who lived alone and felt isolated. After learning Facebook, she began posting photos of her garden. Soon, old friends and family were commenting and cheering her on. She told me, “I feel like I’m part of the conversation again.”
Another student, Jim, discovered YouTube. He loved history, and suddenly he had thousands of documentaries at his fingertips — for free. He even learned new woodworking techniques by watching step-by-step videos.
Social media gave both of them connection and purpose.
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Troubleshooting Tips
• I can’t log into Facebook: Double-check that you typed your email and password correctly. If you forgot, tap “Forgot Password” to reset it.
• I see posts from strangers: Adjust your privacy settings so only friends can see your posts.
• YouTube videos stop and start: This usually means your internet is slow. Try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router.
• I don’t understand comments or emojis: Don’t worry — you don’t need to know every symbol. Just focus on enjoying the connection.
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Step 5: Staying Safe Online
It’s important to be cautious on social media.
• Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know.
• Don’t share personal details like your address or bank information.
• If something feels suspicious, ignore it or ask a trusted family member for advice.
👉 Quick Tip: If you stick with friends and family, Facebook and YouTube are safe and enjoyable.
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Wrap-Up & Next Steps
Let’s review what you learned today:
• Facebook helps you connect with family, friends, and communities.
• YouTube lets you watch and learn about any topic you enjoy.
• Both apps are powerful tools for connection, entertainment, and learning.
Your take-action tool for today:
• Open Facebook, “Like” one post, and leave one short comment.
• Open YouTube, search for a video on something you enjoy, and watch it.
• Subscribe to one channel you’d like to see more from.
In the next lesson, we’ll explore entertainment apps like music and games — because smartphones aren’t just practical, they’re fun too!
Great job — I’ll see you in Module 3, Lesson 4: Entertainment Apps (Music, Games, News).