My family puts all their photos on Facebook, but I don't want Facebook. Am I stuck missing out?

Question:
My kids and grandkids share lots of family photos on Facebook. I love seeing the pictures, but I really don't want to have a Facebook account just for that. Everyone acts like joining Facebook is the obvious solution. Are there other ways they can share pictures with me without making things complicated for everybody?

The short answer

Yes.

You are allowed to want the family photos and not want Facebook.

Facebook is one way to share pictures. It isn't the only way.

For just a few photos, keep it simple

If your family only wants to send you a picture now and then, they may be able to send it directly by:

• text message

• email

• another messaging app you already use

When you receive the photo, you can usually tap it and look for an option such as Save, Download, or Share to keep a copy on your device.

For lots of family photos, try a shared album

If your family regularly shares pictures, they may prefer using a shared photo album.

Two common options are:

• Google Photos

• Apple Photos/iCloud

Someone in the family can create an album and share it with you without requiring everyone to post the pictures publicly on social media.

Exactly how this works depends on the devices and services your family already uses.

Don't make it more complicated than it needs to be

Instead of asking, “Which photo-sharing service is best?” try asking:

What does my family already use?

If they already organize their photos in Google Photos, that may be the easiest place to start.

If everyone uses Apple devices, one of Apple's photo-sharing options may be easier.

You don't necessarily need a brand-new app just to solve this one problem.

Ask someone to show you once

You could say:

“I don't want to use Facebook, but I'd still love to see your pictures. Can you show me another way to get them?”

Then have them send you one test photo or one shared album while you're together or talking on the phone.

Once you figure out what works, write down the steps if that helps you remember.

The takeaway

Choosing not to use Facebook doesn't mean choosing not to participate in your family's life online.

You can set a boundary around one technology without giving up the thing you actually care about—in this case, seeing those family photos.

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