In a recent discussion with a fellow radio amateur we discussed the use of WhatsApp, Telegram and even Facebook as a means of forwarding messages, images and discussing general amateur radio content. And then we ask why is there so little activity locally on the amateur radio bands. In the past before social media we "forward" messages, images and related discussions by means of voice/digital communications on HF, VHF and UHF radio. The new trend to use social media instead of amateur radio has a big impact on HF, VHF and UHF activity. Do we rather use social media then the amateur radio bands . I know that certain matters cannot be discussed on the air and for that purpose social media can be quite useful. However we need to be careful that we do not use social media more that amateur radio for amateur radio related matters. Questions that we would have asked in the past on air or even discuss are now being done on social media. Who can still remember how we used Packet Radio to ask questions and learn from answers. Are we shooting ourselves in the foot? When it comes to using the amateur radio bands I certainly think that we use social media much more than the amateur radio bands. If this trend continues we will have no leg to stand on, once our frequency spectrum comes under threat. I would also like to warn again of amateur radio getting to secluded and group bound. Unity creates strength but I get the idea that we are becoming to fragmented and group bound. We really need to guard that we do not become our own worst enemy when it comes to the above matters. I might be completely out of line here but feel that it is necessary that we take note of the above. Finally I would like to encourage radio amateurs to use the amateur radio bands even if it is just for a good old rag-chew. At least that way we keep the bands occupied and active. Social media does have a place in amateur radio and can be useful in some instances. I am not against using social media for certain amateur radio matters but our main focus should be to use the amateur radio bands more than social media unless we do not care that we can loose some of our bands in future due to inactivity.
Amateur Radio should be our first choice when communicating with our fellow radio amateurs. Be smart..... rather use Amateur Radio instead of Social Media. Twitter Poll created: Is Social Media killing amateur radio on-the-air activity? Click HERE to Vote.
PS/ Don't shoot the messenger. Rather give the above a thought and decide if it is true or false or maybe!
