Social media sites add dimension to sharing information Published May 3, 2010 By April Rowden Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs Office RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- A new Facebook fan page is giving the Air Force community an interactive platform for exchanging news, information and feedback about programs that affect their personal and professional lives. US Air Force Life and Career debuted earlier this year and has captured topics fresh on the minds of Air Force members and their families, such as transition assistance programs, Warrior Games, and the National Security Personnel System conversion. Facebook allows account holders to share text-like micro blogs, photos and videos through the free networking site. Twitter, a social media site that is most popular with 18- to 34-year-olds, is a free micro blogging site that allows users to post messages, called tweets, in 140 characters or less, from a computer or mobile device. On Twitter, AFCareers and USAF_Services connect users with information about subjects that are shaping the manpower, personnel and services of the Air Force. AFCareers provides readers with links to federal job vacancies, the most recent retiree news, and changes in Air Force policies. USAF_Services keeps up on Year of the Air Force Family programs, shares wounded warrior news, and informs family members of programs designed to improve their lives. Internet users do not have to establish Twitter accounts in order to view AFCareers or USAF_Services. While these sites offer a new way of reaching Airmen and their families, the most dynamic feature of these tools is that they allow users to respond back with their thoughts and opinions. This capability gives leadership insight into the programs and services being offered to the Air Force family. For a list of official Air Force social media sites and to read "Social Media and the Air Force," a guide for using social media, visit www.af.mil/socialmedia.asp.