IT’S TIME TO CHAT ABOUT CHATGPT FALL 25 The World’s #1 Internet Magazine SHOULD YOU WORRY ABOUT BROWSER FINGERPRINTING? 7 REASONS WHY PEOPLE LOVE INSTAGRAM SITES FOR GIVING AWAY (OR GETTING) FREE STUFF WebsiteCompass
how to how to ref a kid’s soccer game video TOO BUSY FOR FAMILY TIME THIS FALL? LEAF IT TO US. With school in session you may be battling never-ending scheduling conflicts. Suddenly the little family time you have is pushed to the back-burner after school, sports, clubs and play-dates. At Outdoor Family, we provide ideas for all the ways your family can spend time together outside, even when time is limited. Find us online or social media or flip through our e-zine while you wait for soccer practice to end. @youroutdoorfamily how to make sourdough in the car how to apologize to a teacher for being tardy every day this week howto doordash a 4-H project I forgot how to use AI to make a dinner that everyone likes www.outdoorfamily.com
WebsiteCompass 1 8 Contents WebsiteCompass 18 Website Compass™ is a publication of Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc. 4815 Caravelle Drive Fort Collins, CO 80526 970-818-5012 ISSN 1525-951X No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, electronic, photocopying, recording, mechanical, or otherwise without prior written permission of the publisher. Website Compass™ is a trademark of Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc. Copyright© 2025 by Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. TRADEMARKS – All brand names and product names used in this publication are trade names, service marks, trademarks, or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Website Compass magazine is an independent magazine and is not affiliated with, nor has it been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation, Google, Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook. All screen shots are the property of their respective owners. ADVERTISERS – To obtain advertising information, contact: Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc. 4815 Caravelle Drive Fort Collins, CO 80526 970-818-5012 INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS – To obtain additional information about distribution of Website Compass magazine to your internet subscribers and a free customized online version of Website Compass, contact: Shane Petersen Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc. 4815 Caravelle Drive Fort Collins, CO 80526 970-818-5012 shanep@cornerstonenow.com Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc. (the Author and Publisher) as well as any participating Internet Service Provider Partners hereby disclaim all warranties relating to Website Compass magazine or its website, whether expressed or implied, including without limitation any implied warrantied of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Although the Author and its ISP Partners believe the information provided is accurate, neither party claims responsibility for any damage or loss of data to a user’s computer caused by utilizing this information. The Author and its ISP Partners will not be liable for any special, incidental, consequential, indirect, or similar damages due to loss of data or any other reason when utilizing information/tutorials from Website Compass magazine or its websites. In no event shall the Author or ISP Partner be liable for any damages, regardless of the form of the claim. The person using the information contained in Website Compass magazine bears all risk as to the use of the information provided. Cornerstone Group is not responsible for the quality, performance, or reliability of third-party tools or software. 2 10 16 13 FEATURE STORY 2 It’s Time to Chat About ChatGPT Get to know the “robot” that can lighten your load INTERNET CONNECTIONS 8 Should YouWorry About Browser Fingerprinting? It’s the hidden trail you unknowingly leave online SOCIAL MEDIA BASICS 10 7 Reasons Why People Love Instagram This platform proves that a picture (or video) is worth a thousand words BACK TO BASICS 13 Use Technology to Help With Emergency Preparedness Take steps to be ready if a disaster happens to you BEYOND THE BASICS 16 Sites for Giving Away (or Getting) Free Stuff Freecycling helps find new homes for things and keeps them out of landfills FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 18 Ask Dr. Webbie Answers to your internet questions A TO Z 19 Internet Glossary Words and definitions Tutorials in This Issue 12 How to create an Instagram account if you have a Facebook account 12 How to follow people on Instagram 17 How to use Facebook Marketplace
2 WebsiteCompass Get to know the “robot” that can lighten your load By now, you’ve probably heard about ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot that can instantly do many things for you—from write a letter of recommendation to brainstorm ideas for a birthday party. OpenAI released an early demo of ChatGPT on November 30, 2022, and the chatbot quickly went viral on social media as people shared examples of what it could do. Within five days, it had attracted over one million users. Today, ChatGPT ranks #5 in the world’s most visited websites. Despite ChatGPT’s sophisticated technology and diverse capabilities, it’s incredibly easy to use and is available for free. If you can do a Google search, you can use ChatGPT. It’s that simple. We hope the following pages inspire you to try ChatGPT or use it in new ways. You’ll find instructions on how to get started, usage ideas for families and seniors, a look at how ChatGPT is impacting education, and much more. As its name suggests, ChatGPT is designed to chat and have human-like conversations. What will you discuss with it next? FAST FACT: According to a 2025 Pew Research Center survey, 34% of U.S. adults say they’ve used ChatGPT—roughly twice the percentage reported in their 2023 survey. Source: www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/06/25/34-of-us-adults-haveused-chatgpt-about-double-the-share-in-2023/ IT’S TIME TO CHAT ABOUT CHATGPT
WebsiteCompass 3 ChatGPT is a chatbot designed for natural language understanding and generation. “Chat” refers to the conversation, and “GPT” stands for “Generative Pretrained Transformer,”a type of artificial intelligence. ChatGPT can engage in conversations, answer questions, generate text based on the input it receives, and chat just like a human would. Anyone can access this platform, enter their desired prompts, and instantly get a response based on their queries. What Is ChatGPT and How Does It Work? Here are examples of what ChatGPT can do: • Hold a conversation with you, answering questions about almost any topic • Generate text for written content such as poetry, blog posts, and emails • Brainstorm ideas for travel, entertainment, and more • Generate and analyze images • Search the internet for current information • Create charts and graphs based on your inputs • Analyze data • Interact with your computer and take basic actions on your behalf You know the customer service chatbots you encounter on websites that offer to answer questions or help you place an order? ChatGPT is like them, except it’s more sophisticated and versatile. How can ChatGPT carry on natural-sounding conversations? ChatGPT works by learning from a huge amount of text data from the internet. It processes this data to understand context, tone, and content, ultimately enabling it to generate almost human-like text responses. Human ChatGPT trainers provide conversations and rank the responses. These reward models help determine the best answers. To keep training the chatbot, users can upvote or downvote its response by clicking on thumbs-up or thumbs-down icons beside the answer. Users can also provide additional written feedback to improve and fine-tune future dialogue. Fortunately, you don’t need to fully understand how ChatGPT works to successfully take advantage of it in your daily life. Just think of it as your smart and fast-working personal assistant. Check Out Google’s AI Overviews ChatGPT isn’t the only popular AI tool these days. In 2024, Google rolled out AI Overviews, a feature that uses artificial intelligence to summarize search results directly at the top of the page. Instead of clicking through multiple links, users now see an instant summary of information, compiled from trusted sources across the web. This can mean faster answers to questions—whether you’re looking for a recipe, planning a vacation, or comparing tech gadgets. However, the feature has sparkedmixed reactions. While many appreciate the convenience, some experts warn that AI-generated content might occasionally include inaccuracies or oversimplify complex topics. Google says it’s working to improve the system and has added disclaimers and source links to increase transparency. For now, AI Overviews are available on most English-language searches in the U.S., with plans for broader expansion. As with any AI tool, it’s smart to doublecheck facts and not rely solely on summaries. This is especially important for queries regarding health, finance, or legal matters. Do you find AI Overviews helpful when you do Google searches?
4 WebsiteCompass A Beginner’s Guide to ChatGPT 1. Go to chatgpt.com. You’ll be offered three options: 1. “Log in” (if you already have an OpenAI account) 2. “Sign up for free” (to create a free OpenAI account) 3. “Stay logged out” (to use ChatGPT without an account) To try out ChatGPT for the first time, you may want to choose “Stay logged out.” Once you experience its usefulness, you’ll probably want to go ahead and sign up for an OpenAI account, since you’ll get smarter responses. 2. Tell ChatGPT what you want. Type your prompt—what you’d like ChatGPT to provide— in the message bar. For example, you might say “Write a joke about ChatGPT.”After you’ve entered the prompt, click the up-facing arrow to send. In seconds, you’ll receive the answer. In our example, it provided this joke: Why did ChatGPT break up with its girlfriend? Because every time she said, “We need to talk,” it replied, “Sure! Here’s a 10-paragraph summary with sources.” 3. Make other requests as needed. • Use ChatGPT search to explicitly tell ChatGPT to search the web to inform its response (otherwise, it might rely only on the data it was trained on). To do so, click Search in the message bar, and enter your prompt. • Use deep research in ChatGPT to get it to comb through hundreds of online sources and files to give you a comprehensive response, complete with cited sources to verify its claims.To do this, click Deep Research in the message bar, and enter your prompt. • Talk to ChatGPT by pressing the Voice Mode icon in the message bar or by pressing the microphone icon to enter your prompt using speech-to-text. • Upload an image by clicking the paperclip icon in the message bar, uploading the image you want to share, and entering your accompanying prompt. You can also drag and drop the image from your computer into the message bar. 4. Interact with ChatGPT’s responses. After getting a response from ChatGPT, you have options for modifying it to better meet your needs. • Edit your original prompt. Hover over the prompt and click the Edit message icon that appears (it looks like a pencil). Edit your prompt, and then click Send. • Enter a new prompt. One of ChatGPT’s key features—and the one that makes it feel like having a real back-and-forth dialogue—is that it can “remember” the conversation you’re having with it. This means you can ask ChatGPT to modify its response without repeating yourself or starting from scratch. • Review the sources. Hover over any source listed and click it to go directly to the source. FAST FACT: As of June 2025, ChatGPT owns 60.60% of the generative AI chatbot market—far above competitors like Copilot (~14%) and Google Gemini (~13%). Source: www.wfs.org/chatgpt-statistics/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Feature Story
WebsiteCompass 5 Since its release, ChatGPT has quickly made waves in the education sector, transforming how students and educators interact with information. While many see it as a valuable learning aid, others raise concerns about its long-term effects on student development. Studying the Impact of This Chatbot on Education Positive Impacts One of ChatGPT’s biggest benefits is its ability to provide instant help and support to students. Whether it’s explaining complex math problems, summarizing literature, or offering essay ideas, the tool can support learners outside traditional classroom hours like a 24/7 virtual tutor. It also caters to different learning styles by adjusting its explanations, helping students who struggle with textbook learning. ChatGPT can be especially helpful to students who are working on tight deadlines and need help to not miss important due dates for projects or submissions. Teachers, too, are finding value in ChatGPT. It can assist with lesson planning, quiz creation, and even grading suggestions—saving time and boosting productivity. For students with learning disabilities or those who speak English as a second language, ChatGPT can serve as a patient, always-available tutor. Negative Impacts However, not all effects are positive. A major concern is academic integrity. Some students use ChatGPT to complete assignments or write essays, bypassing the learning process entirely. This raises questions about plagiarism and how to fairly assess student performance. Additionally, over-reliance on AI tools may hinder critical thinking and problem-solving skills. If students turn to ChatGPT for every answer, they risk not developing the ability to analyze or reason through challenges themselves. There’s also the issue of accuracy, since ChatGPT sometimes provides outdated or incorrect information, which can mislead learners who don’t fact-check. Striking a Balance Ultimately, ChatGPT’s role in education depends on how it’s used. When integrated thoughtfully, it can enhance learning and support teaching. But without clear guidelines, it could encourage shortcuts and reduce the depth of understanding. Schools, educators, and students must work together to ensure that AI serves as a tool for learning and not a replacement for it. Invite a Digital Sidekick to Join Your Family Fun Looking for fresh ways to keep the whole family entertained? You’ll find them with ChatGPT. Enjoy interactive stories. Ask ChatGPT to create a personalized adventure featuring your kids as heroes. You can choose the setting, characters, and plot twists together. It’s a great way to spark imagination and encourage reading. Customize family game night. ChatGPT can generate custom trivia quizzes, riddles, or even host a game of 20 Questions. It’s also perfect for creating scavenger hunt clues or charades ideas. Have miles of fun on long road trips. With help from ChatGPT, the journey can be almost as fun as the destination. Use a prompt like this: “Create a road trip scavenger hunt list with 10 items for kids aged 7 and 11. Make sure the items are things they might see while driving on country roads in the Midwest.” Turn a photo into a coloring page. If you have ChatGPT Plus, you can use its image generation capabilities to upload a photo and then ask it to “turn this into a coloring page.”
6 WebsiteCompass Here’s what makes ChatGPT valuable for seniors: • It’s private: You can ask anything without judgment. • It’s helpful: Whether you’re planning a meal, writing a message, or solving a small problem, ChatGPT gives thoughtful answers. • It’s patient: There’s no rush. You can take your time, ask again, or try something different. • It’s available 24/7: No appointments needed. Just type and go. Here are several ways seniors can put ChatGPT to work: Draft letters, emails, and notes. You know what you want to say, but finding the right words can feel like a chore. Just type something like this into ChatGPT: “Write a friendly email thanking my neighbor for shoveling my sidewalk.” It will generate a complete message in seconds, and all you have to do is read it over and copy it into your email or print it. Get step-by-step help with common tech problems. ChatGPT can walk you through tasks like enlarging the text on your phone, connecting a printer, or resetting a forgotten password. Try asking: “How do I make the text bigger on my iPhone?” or “How do I set up a Zoom meeting on my tablet?”You can even ask follow-up questions like, “I didn’t understand that. Can you explain it again?” Understand complicated letters, bills, or documents. Ever get a letter from Medicare or your insurance company and wonder, “What on earth does this mean?” You’re not alone. Many official documents are full of legal or technical language that’s hard to follow. That’s where ChatGPT shines. Just enter the confusing paragraph into ChatGPT with a request like: “Can you explain this in simple terms?” Figure out what to make for dinner. For example, your prompt could be “Give me a simple recipe for two that I can make with chicken and rice.” You’ll get suggestions that fit your request, and you can even ask for low-sodium or budget-friendly options. Feature Story How Seniors Can Benefit from ChatGPT ChatGPT isn’t just for young people or tech experts. It’s for anyone who wants a little support, conversation, or creativity. Meet Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and More While ChatGPT is the biggest name in AI chatbots, it’s by no means the only game in town. Plus, depending on what you’re trying to do, ChatGPT might not even be your best option. It’s a great general-purpose chatbot, but like most jacks-of-all-trades, it can lose out to more specific tools for certain jobs. Here are some ChatGPT alternatives to consider: • Claude (by Anthropic) is a safety- focused AI assistant designed to be helpful, honest, and harmless. It’s good for professionals. • Google Gemini is a powerful AI model that integrates across products like Search, Docs, and Android. It’s designed for creativity, productivity, and reasoning. • Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant embedded in Office and Windows to help users write, summarize, code, and automate daily workflows efficiently. • Perplexity AI provides real-time, cited answers from the web. It’s focused on transparency, speed, and up-to-date accuracy. • Meta AI integrates into platforms like Facebook and Instagram, offering real-time assistance, image generation, and multimodal capabilities for casual and creative use. Have fun exploring your options!
WebsiteCompass 7 More Useful in MoreWays In the coming years, ChatGPT will become even more integrated into daily life. With its growing capabilities, you can expect it to act not just as a chatbot, but as a true personal assistant, creative partner, and productivity enhancer. Imagine a version of ChatGPT that can seamlessly schedule your meetings, summarize long documents, assist with travel planning, or even offer personalized mental health check-ins—all while understanding your preferences and learning from past interactions. One of the most exciting prospects is voice integration. Future versions of ChatGPT will likely respond to spoken commands in real-time, making interactions more natural and accessible. Whether you’re cooking, commuting, or exercising, you’ll be able to have hands-free interactions with your AI assistant. For professionals, the benefits will be enormous. Writers can brainstorm faster, developers can debug smarter, and marketers can automate content creation with better context and tone. ChatGPT will serve as a collaborative partner, not just a tool—streamlining tasks and unlocking creative potential. In education, ChatGPT’s evolution could mean custom learning experiences tailored to individual students. It could help learners grasp complex topics, provide feedback on writing, or simulate real-world scenarios for hands-on learning. Empowering People Of course, as the technology advances, privacy and responsible AI use will remain top priorities. OpenAI is working on developing systems that are not only more powerful but also safer and more aligned with user values. Ultimately, the future of ChatGPT isn’t just about smarter technology. It’s about empowering people.Whether you’re looking to boost productivity, explore creative ideas, or learn something new, ChatGPT will be right there with you, transforming possibilities into everyday experiences in the years ahead. QUICK TIP: Tell ChatGPT who the response is for, the desired tone and length, and any relevant background information. This helps ChatGPT generate more accurate and tailored responses. A Glimpse Into Tomorrow Artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving rapidly, and ChatGPT is at the forefront of this transformation. Originally designed as a conversational AI, ChatGPT has quickly grown into a versatile tool used by millions for writing, researching, coding, and even tutoring. But what does the future hold? The next generation of ChatGPT is poised to unlock a range of new opportunities for consumers, businesses, and other organizations. Be Aware of ChatGPT’s Downsides While ChatGPT has become a popular tool for generating text, answering questions, and supporting creativity, it’s not without its flaws. One major concern is accuracy. ChatGPT can confidently produce false or misleading information—called hallucinations—which users might easily mistake for facts. This is especially risky when users ask for information on topics of a serious nature, such as medical issues. Privacy is also a concern. Although OpenAI (the organization that created ChatGPT) states that conversations aren’t used to build personal profiles, some consumers remain wary about sharing sensitive information with the chatbot. Additionally, ChatGPT can generate content that’s too generic or repetitive, making it less effective for nuanced tasks. Text can sometimes sound robotically stiff or unnatural, with monotonous sentence structures and repetitive phrasings. It also lacks the emotional understanding of human beings and real-world context, which can limit its usefulness in more complex interactions. As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, it’s important for consumers to stay informed and use tools like ChatGPT thoughtfully and cautiously.
8 WebsiteCompass Browser Fingerprinting Explained Browser fingerprinting is a tracking technique that identifies users based on unique combinations of information gathered from their browsers and devices. Unlike cookies, which store small pieces of data on your computer and can be deleted or blocked, browser fingerprints are harder to avoid. They’re based on information your browser automatically shares with websites to function properly. These details might include: • Browser type and version (e.g., Chrome 115, Safari 17) • Operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) • Installed fonts and plugins • Screen resolution • Time zone and language • Device hardware (CPU, GPU, etc.) • Even how you interact with a webpage (mouse movements or typing speed) When combined, this information can create a profile as unique as a fingerprint—hence the name. HowThis TechnologyWorks When you visit a website, your browser sends “headers” that contain technical details needed to load the page properly. Advanced scripts on the site can request even more data from your system. For example, they might detect which fonts are installed, check if you’re using an ad blocker, or measure how fast your browser performs certain operations. All this data is compiled into a “hash,” a string of characters representing your specific setup. While a single detail might not identify you, the combination of many can create a distinctive digital identity that persists across sessions and websites. Should You Worry About Browser Fingerprinting? It’s the hidden trail you unknowingly leave online Every time you surf the web, your browser quietly shares information about you—not your name or address, but a surprisingly detailed set of technical traits. This invisible profile, called a browser fingerprint, is one of the most advanced ways companies can track your online activity, and it’s raising important questions about privacy and digital rights. Internet Connections
WebsiteCompass 9 Legitimate and Beneficial Purposes Not all uses of browser fingerprinting are nefarious. Some companies and websites use it for legitimate and even beneficial purposes: • Fraud Prevention – Banks and e-commerce platforms use fingerprinting to detect suspicious activity. If a login attempt is made from a device with an unfamiliar fingerprint, the service may flag it for review or require extra verification. • Cybersecurity – Fingerprinting helps identify and block automated bots, malicious scripts, or unauthorized scraping tools from accessing a website. • User Experience – Some websites use fingerprinting to customize content delivery such as optimizing for your device or remembering your language preferences without using cookies. • Targeted Advertising – Advertisers and marketers use fingerprinting to build detailed profiles of users based on their browsing habits, interests, and preferences. This allows for highly personalized and relevant ads. These uses can enhance user safety and experience—provided they’re disclosed and not abused. Privacy Concerns of Users Despite its legitimate uses, browser fingerprinting raises serious privacy concerns because it often occurs without users’ knowledge or consent. Unlike cookies, fingerprints can’t easily be cleared or blocked, making this form of tracking far more persistent. Here’s why privacy advocates are concerned: • Cross-site Tracking – Advertisers can use fingerprinting to track you across multiple websites, building a detailed profile of your online behavior even if you’ve blocked cookies or use incognito mode. • Lack of Transparency – Most users are unaware that they’re being fingerprinted or what information is being collected. • Hard to Avoid – Traditional privacy tools like clearing cookies, using incognito mode, or installing ad blockers aren’t effective. Browser fingerprinting is a powerful technology with both helpful and harmful applications. While it can protect against fraud and improve security, its use for covert tracking poses a real challenge to online privacy. As awareness grows, so does the need for regulation and tools that give users more control over their digital footprints. Until then, understanding the mechanics of fingerprinting is a critical step in protecting your online identity. What You Can Do About Browser Fingerprinting Browser fingerprinting is one of the most difficult tracking techniques for users to control. Unlike cookies, which can be blocked or deleted, fingerprinting collects subtle details about a user’s browser and device to create a unique identifier. This allows websites and advertisers to track users across sessions without their knowledge or consent. That said, there are steps you can take to help protect your privacy and reduce the amount of your data collected: • Switch to privacy-focused browsers like Firefox or Brave, which come with built-in protections. • Install reputable browser extensions like uBlock Origin or Privacy Badger to block trackers and scripts. • Use a VPN to mask your IP address. It creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. • Regularly clear your browser cache and cookies. • Avoid logging into accounts (like Google or Facebook) while browsing unrelated sites, as these services can tie your activity to your identity. By making a few smart changes, you can say “hands off” to browser fingerprinting. FAST FACT: Cookie tracking is a conventional method for identifying and monitoring web users by storing data on the client’s device. Browser fingerprinting, on the other hand, collects information about the user’s browser and device configuration without requiring local storage.
10 WebsiteCompass 7 Reasons Why People Love Instagram This platform proves that a picture (or video) is worth a thousand words Instagram launched in 2010, and it has plenty to celebrate in its 15th anniversary year. With more than two billion users worldwide, it’s one of the most prominent players on the social media landscape. Instagram is also the go-to social network for Gen Z (those currently ages 12 to 27), with a whopping 91% of them having a profile on the platform. 1. Visual Storytelling at Its Best Humans are visual creatures.We process images much faster than text, and Instagram capitalizes on this instinct. Whether it’s a stunning sunset, a delicious plate of food, or a candid moment between friends, Instagram allows people to share their lives through beautiful, curated visuals. Unlike platforms that prioritize written posts or short messages, Instagram’s focus on images and video feels more engaging and immediate. 2. Easy to Use, Hard to Put Down Instagram’s clean, simple interface is another reason for its popularity. From uploading photos to browsing the feed or watching Stories, the app is designed to be intuitive. Even users with limited tech skills can quickly learn to navigate the platform. Its smooth user experience makes it easy to keep scrolling, and that’s part of the appeal. The infinite scroll, autoplay videos, and algorithmically personalized content feed keep users coming back for more. 3. AWindow into theWorld Instagram offers a unique way to explore the world without ever leaving your home. Want to see street food in Bangkok, architecture in Barcelona, or fashion trends in Seoul? Instagram gives you instant access to global cultures and lifestyles. Through hashtags, geotags, and Explore pages, users can discover new interests and communities that they might never have encountered otherwise. 4. A Platform for Self-Expression For many, Instagram is a canvas. Users can share their style, opinions, creativity, and identity in ways that are both fun and fulfilling. Whether through perfectly styled grids, creative Reels, or spontaneous Stories, the platform allows for authentic (and sometimes carefully curated) self-expression. Influencers, artists, small businesses, and everyday users alike use Instagram to shape how they’re seen and to connect with others who share their interests. However, Instagram is not just for the young. It has appeal across all age groups for reasons including these: Social Media Basics
WebsiteCompass 11 Instagram’s Top New Features of 2025 Instagram rolled out several exciting features in 2025, revolutionizing how users share, connect, and create. One of the most popular is AI-Powered StorySuggestions, which recommends music, filters, and captions based on your content—streamlining the creative process and boosting engagement. Collab Reels 2.0 now allows up to five creators to co-author a single Reel, enabling richer, more dynamic content. This has been a game-changer for influencers, brands, and creators looking to expand their reach. A major usability upgrade is the Smart Inbox, which automatically categorizes messages into Primary, Friends, and Brands tabs, making it easier to manage DMs. Instagram also introduced Custom Feed Filters, letting users prioritize content from close friends or topics of interest—perfect for curating your daily scroll. Lastly, Monetization Insights offer real-time data for creators, making it easier to track revenue, brand deals, and audience growth. Together, these updates mark a leap forward in personalization, collaboration, and creator support on the platform. 5. Rise of the Creator Economy Instagram has played a major role in the rise of the creator economy. With tools like brand partnerships, product tagging, and in-app shopping, it’s possible to turn a hobby into a business. Influencers and content creators can monetize their content, build personal brands, and reach global audiences. This blend of creativity and entrepreneurship is deeply appealing to younger generations looking for nontraditional career paths. 6. Community and Connection At its core, Instagram is social. It’s a place to celebrate milestones, share everyday moments, and stay connected with friends and family. It also serves as a support network—mental health advocates, niche interest groups, and fan communities all thrive on the platform. While some criticize the app for promoting unrealistic standards, many find real connection, support, and joy through their Instagram circles. 7. Constant Evolution Instagram has evolved significantly over the years, constantly introducing new features to keep users engaged, such as Stories, Reels, shopping, and close friends lists. This adaptability keeps the platform fresh and competitive in a crowded social media landscape. Instagram continues to stand out by offering a way to capture and share the beauty of life. If you’re not yet a user, we urge you to explore the possibilities.
How to Get Started on Instagram If you’ve decided to join the fun on “Insta,” follow the tutorials below. You can also find lots of helpful articles at help.instagram.com. TUTORIAL How to create an Instagram account if you have a Facebook account If you create a new Instagram account using your Facebook account, both accounts will use the same login information. 1. Download the Instagram app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android). Once the app is installed, tap the Instagram logo to open it. 2. If your Facebook account shows, you can: a. Tap Continue as [name] to learn more about what happens when you create an Instagram account with your Facebook account. b. Choose not to use your Facebook account and tap Create new account, then skip to Step 4 to create a new Instagram account. 3. To create an Instagram account with your Facebook account, tap Yes, Continue, then tap Next to sync your name, profile picture, and avatar across apps. Note: You’ll be prompted to log into your Facebook account if you’re currently logged out. 4. If you’d like to create an Instagram account without your Facebook account, tap Continue without Facebook. 5. Create a username, then tap Next. 6. Read Instagram’s terms and policies, then tap I agree, if you agree to the terms, to create your account. TUTORIAL How to follow people on Instagram If you know who you want to follow, just use the search feature to look for celebrities, brands, or friends. Or, if you know what type of content you want to find but aren’t sure who posts it, you can search for “tags.” For instance, if you search “#veganrecipes” under tags, your results will include any images with that hashtag. Here’s how to follow someone: 1. Click on the search icon at the bottom of your screen. It looks like a magnifying glass and will be next to the “Home” button. 2. Type in a person, brand, or topic. 3. Tap the account you’re interested in following. 4. Once you‘re on someone else’s account, you’ll see a blue “Follow” button at the top. For public profiles, you can click and immediately begin following that account. However, if the profile is private, you may need to wait for them to accept you first. 12 WebsiteCompass Social Media Basics
WebsiteCompass 13 Assemble Technology Essentials According to the American Red Cross, your preparations should include these essential items: Communication – Reliable communication is one of the most crucial tech tools during a natural disaster. Include a cell phone, smartphone, tablet, or other device in your disaster preparedness kit. Portable Chargers – All tech gadgets need power. You need one or more portable chargers or backup power sources for your devices in your kit. They are indispensable and will help you stay plugged in, connected, and informed. Emergency Apps – Having emergency apps downloaded on your devices is critical. You can use them to stay current with emergency updates in your area and as general resources for news, weather alerts, and first aid. (See the sidebars on pages 14 and 15 for more details.) Emergency Contacts – Make sure you have emergency contacts listed and readily accessible on all your devices. After a disaster, you will need to reach out to family and friends to let them know your status. Favorite contacts by clicking the star icon and add certain people as emergency contacts in your smartphone settings. Setting your emergency contacts in your smart device will help guide you through a crisis. Local Offline Maps – Recognizing where you are in a crisis is also important. You can locate nearby places by downloading a map to your phone or printing a physical map, even when the internet is not working. BackupDevices – Having a backup cellphone in case your primary one stops working is just as important as having additional power sources and other backup devices. Generators, solar chargers, hand-crank radios, and other items are helpful in case of power and internet outages. Use Technology to Help With Emergency Preparedness Take steps to be ready if a disaster happens to you There have traditionally been seasons for extreme weather—tornadoes March through June, wildfires May through November, and hurricanes from June through November. However, Mother Nature sometimes breaks the rules, so we need to be prepared for emergencies at all times. Back to Basics
14 WebsiteCompass Don’t Forget Low-Tech Items Some of the most essential tools and devices in an emergency don’t require big spending, a data connection, or a working power grid. These items should be in every home, car, and disaster prep kit: First Aid Kit – This can prevent minor injuries from becoming major issues. Your kit should include sterile gloves and dressings, antibiotic towelettes, antibiotic ointment, adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes, eye wash solution, thermometer, prescription medications and prescribed medical supplies, aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever, antidiarrhea medication, antacid, and laxative. Light Sources – Everyone needs a flashlight or lantern. If a power outage occurs ensure you’re prepared by having a durable flashlight, headlamp, or other power-efficient light source. BottledWater and Nonperishable Food – Plan on one gallon per person per day for three days, plus a three-day supply of non-perishable foods. Remember to include supplies for your pet. Tools – You’ll need to have a wrench to turn off gas and water lines, a manual can opener or a utility knife, small fire extinguisher, pliers, duct tape, and matches in a waterproof container. Also have cups, plates, and utensils. Sanitation Supplies – A basic sanitation kit should include toilet paper, soap, feminine supplies, plastic garbage bags and ties, a plastic bucket with a tight lid, and chlorine bleach. Whistle – A whistle can help you signal for help if you are stranded and need search and rescue to hear you. Dust Mask – Depending on the emergency, you may need a mask to help protect you against contaminated air. Books, Games, and Puzzles – Disasters are stressful. If you have toys and activities for your children to do when the power is out, it can help them cope with the stress. Documents – In preparation, scan your key documents—such as your will, deeds, and family records — and store them securely online so they can’t be ruined by a disaster. It may be helpful to also have printed copies of some items (like insurance cards, Social Security number, passwords, and insurance policies) in your kit as well. For insurance purposes, take short videos to catalogue valuables in your home, such as vehicles, computers, furniture, and artwork. Download the FEMA App to Take Charge of Disasters The free FEMA app is your personalized disaster resource. Download it now on Google Play or the App Store and get the help you need: • Learn how to prepare for common hazards quickly and easily. Get tips for creating a family emergency communication plan, packing your emergency kit, and more. • Knowwhen and how to protect yourself, your lovedones, and your property. With the FEMA app, you can receive real-time weather and emergency alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five loca- tions nationwide. It can also help you find a nearby shelter if you need to evacuate to a safe space. • Get the tools you need to recover after a disaster. Find out if your location is eligible for FEMA assistance, find Disaster Recovery Center locations, and get answers to your most pressing questions. Instantly connect with FEMA’s disaster resources so you find the help that you need when you need it most. Information regarding more than 20 types of disasters is included, so you’ll be ready for anything. Back to Basics
WebsiteCompass 15 Free Apps to Download Before You Need Them During extreme weather, you may not have Wi-Fi or cellular service to download apps. So do it in advance—and familiarize yourself with the apps—so they’ll be ready to use when needed. The American Red Cross offers numerous apps, including First Aid and Pet First Aid as well as a general Emergency app that lets you customize 40 different weather alerts like Earthquake, Hurricane, and Tornado, along with advice, checklists, educational quizzes, and a shelter finder. The Disaster Alert app from the Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) in Kihei, Hawaii, offers a real-time map that shows active or impending incidents deemed “potentially hazardous to people, property, or assets.” These include drought, earthquakes, extreme temperature, floods, forest fires, severe storms, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. TheWatch Duty app from a nonprofit of the same name offers a real-time wildfire map and alerts and includes information about prescribed burns so you’ll know what’s causing that smoke in the distance. The service, which depends on the contributions of more than 150 volunteers, covers 13 Western states in the continental U.S. plus Hawaii. Emergency Communications Tips From the FCC and FEMA The FCC and the Federal Emergency Management Agency offer the following tips for communicating during an emergency, including how to prepare for a power outage Charge your family’s cell phones, laptops, and tablet if a storm is coming. Also consider keeping extra batteries, a solar charger, and/or a car charger on hand. In the event of a power outage, you may be able to connect to the internet using secure Wi-Fi, if it is available nearby. You may also be able to use your charged laptop or tablet to recharge your cell phone by connecting the devices with a USB cable, though doing so may drain your computer’s battery power. Be prepared to monitor news and emergency broadcasts during power outages. Consider a battery-powered radio or portable television to check news broadcasts for emergency information during power outages. Make sure you have charged or fresh batteries if needed. You can also purchase a solar-powered or hand-cranked radio. Sign up to receive alerts and warnings to your phone or mobile device. These may be available from your local government, school, and/or workplace. They can augment the Wireless Emergency Alerts you receive over your mobile phone and the Emergency Alert System that takes place over television and radio. Create an“In Case of Emergency” contact on your wireless phone. Store at least one emergency contact under the name “In Case of Emergency” or “ICE” for all mobile phones and devices. This will help someone identify your emergency contact if needed. Enter household and emergency contact information into all household members’ mobile phones or devices. Writedown important phone numbers. Keep the phone numbers handy for emergency services, utilities, service providers, medical providers, veterinarians, insurance companies, and other services. Create a family emergency communication plan. Consider these questions: What if something happens and I’m not with my family? Will I be able to reach them? How will I know they’re safe? During a disaster, you’ll need to send and receive information from your family. Go to Ready.gov for a detailed guide on how to collect information, share your plan, and practice carrying it out.
16 WebsiteCompass Freecycle Freecycle.org was started in Tucson, Arizona in 2003, when Deron Beal sent an email to 40 friends and local nonprofits in the area to see if there was interest in creating a system for reusing local goods. Since then, the concept has spread to more than 110 countries, with thousands of local groups and millions of members. According to their website, the people using Freecycle.org have kept over one thousand tons of trash a day out of landfills. Membership is totally free, so when you sign up you can join one or more local town groups, and you are given the option of creating your own Friends Circle by inviting friends. (This is encouraged, but not required.) You then make posts about items you want to gift or receive, other members reply, and you’re off and running. Buy Nothing This nationwide group is well established and organized, with many towns and cities offering several local options. You can use the Buy Nothing App or do it through Facebook. Do a search in Facebook for “Buy Nothing (your city)”. When you ask to Join, you’ll be asked for your address or neighborhood, and then you’ll be referred to the Buy Nothing group your location is associated with. You can #GIVE, but you can also #ASK—such as, “#ASK Does anyone have any decor for a racing-themed boy’s birthday party that I can take or borrow?” As in all Facebook Groups, there are volunteer Admins who make sure everyone is following the rules. In most Buy Nothing groups, you set out the item(s) outside your home to be picked up by the recipient of your choosing. They come by to get it at the agreed-upon date/ time, and then it’s gone. Sharebay Sharebay.org works similarly to other freecycling groups. You join a community, create a post that lists something you’d like to give or something you’d like to receive, and then it’s up to other people to respond accordingly. However, one thing that separates Sharebay from others Sites for Giving Away (or Getting) Free Stuff Freecycling helps find new homes for things and keeps them out of landfills Are you trying to declutter your home and donate items you no longer want or need? Or are you hoping to find free stuff to stretch a tight budget or help someone in need? Either way, check out these convenient freecycling resources. Beyond the Basics
WebsiteCompass 17 is that it logs every transaction that happens. They use this public record to ensure transparency and promote trust within the community. Each completed transaction is recorded as a “gave” and “got” score to the giver and receiver respectively. These totals are then displayed on every member’s profile page as a Trust Score and Transaction Record. The decision to log and display these records stems from these unfortunately common freecycling experiences: Someone claims an item and then “ghosts” (never comes to pick it up), or someone offers an item that’s broken or doesn’t exist, leaving members frustrated and distrustful. Sharebay’s system evolved to promote a safer environment. Facebook Marketplace Facebook has a Marketplace hub where people post items they are giving away. Here’s a step-by-step guide: 1. Go to Marketplace: Locate the Marketplace icon on your Facebook homepage or in the app menu. 2. Create a new listing: Click on “Create New Listing” and select “Item for Sale.” 3. Add item details: Include photos, a descriptive title (consider adding “Free” to it), and a detailed description. Be clear that the item is free. 4. Set the price to zero: Enter “0” as the price for the item. 5. Add pickup details: Specify where and when the item can be picked up. For safety, consider meeting in a public place. 6. Publish your listing: Once you’ve filled in all the details, click “Publish” to make your free item visible on Marketplace. Dos and Don’ts of Giving Things Away Be respectful, honest, and safe whenever you donate items: DO give items that are still usable. If it’s broken, permanently stained, missing parts, smells bad, or not working, DON’T give it to someone else. Instead, recycle or toss it. DO wash clothing, linens, or any other cloth items before giving. DON’T give away an item without honestly describing the condition it’s in. For example: • “This table is still very sturdy, but there are paint stains and scratches.” • “This coat is washed and warm, but the left pocket has a tear inside.” • “This book has some annotations throughout, but is still very readable.” DO state if something is new and unused. For example: • “This pack of men’s undershirts is brand new and still in the package.” • “This kid’s science lab set is sealed and new, and is in giftable condition.” DO practice personal and home safety when giving out your address or having someone pick up large items (such as furniture) in your home.
18 WebsiteCompass FAQs Ask Dr. Webbie Answers your frequently asked questions QUESTION: Why do I sometimes see “Error 404” when I click on a link? ANSWER: Error 404, also known as a “404 Not Found” error, is a common message you might see when trying to visit a webpage. It simply means that the page you’re looking for can’t be found on the website’s server. You can think of it like asking a librarian for a book that used to be on the shelf, but isn’t there anymore—the library still exists, but that particular book is missing. Here are common reasons why you might see a 404 error: 1. The webpage has been removed or moved. Sometimes website owners delete or relocate pages without setting up a proper redirect, so your browser doesn’t know where to go. 2. You typed the wrong web address (URL). A small typo in the link can lead to a page that doesn’t exist. 3. The link you clicked is outdated. If a website hasn’t been updated in a while, its links might point to pages that no longer exist. A 404 error doesn’t mean your device or internet connection is broken. It’s more like a dead end on the internet. Many websites customize their 404 pages with helpful suggestions or links back to their homepage, making it easier for you to find what you’re looking for. In short, a 404 error is just the web’s way of saying, “That page isn’t here anymore.” It’s annoying, but harmless. QUESTION: How prevalent are smart home devices these days? ANSWER: Parks Associates, a market research and consulting company, has been tracking and analyzing the home automation space for almost 40 years. The average U.S. internet household has about 17 connected devices, and according to Parks’ research, about 45% of U.S. internet households now own at least one smart home device. Most of that comes in consumer electronics (CE), not counting smart speakers and TV displays, but they do count connected devices such as lights, locks, thermostats, video doorbells, cameras, and garage door openers as well as things like health devices or connected fitness equipment. The usage of these devices has changed significantly over the last several years. In 2018 before the pandemic, about 60% of smart home device owners self-identified as innovators and were one of the first people to go out and buy new technology. That’s down to just 11% of all smart home device owners today. It’s become much more mainstream to use smart home devices, and they continue to grow in popularity. This is largely due to their ability to provide increased efficiency, convenience, and safety. One trend in the U.S. smart home market is the proliferation of voice-controlled devices and virtual assistants. Consumers like to control various aspects of their homes through voice commands. Additionally, the focus on sustainability and energy efficiency is driving the adoption of smart thermostats, lighting systems, and appliances that help reduce energy consumption.
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