I've been a tech-head my entire life. Since I was 4 years old, I can remember a deep fascination and appreciation for digital devices and services. I have my dad to thank for that. My generation as a whole is so accustomed to using technology as an integrated component in our lives that it astounds me some people still don't have a Facebook. This last weekend, I spent hours scrolling through the last 10 years of my life on Google Photos.

Long story short, the classification "digital native" is one I take to heart.

In this vein, I thought some of the non-digital natives would benefit from a crash course on the five digital platforms/services I literally could not survive without. Believe me, I practice what I preach.

1. Google.

It sounds obvious, but there are dozens of little things that Google provides. Google Photos backs up all your pictures to the cloud with gigabytes of free storage. Google Calendar practically runs my life (syncing across all devices and keeping me on time!). More than those, I regularly use Google Drive, Maps, Keep, and Inbox, just to name a few.

2. Spotify.

Music is essential. But Spotify does more than just offer a massive library for $10/month ($5 if you have a student discount). Spotify also curates your library for you, recommending songs, albums, entire playlists and making easy to access "daily mixes" of your favorite genres and artists.

3. LinkedIn.

I understand if you're retired or in K-12 that a LinkedIn profile probably isn't "practical" for you. And you'd be right! When I made my LinkedIn account after starting my first job at 16, it seemed utterly useless. But over the last five years, I've gradually added jobs, skills, links, projects, classes, organizations, and certifications which have all contributed to the "All-Star Status" on my profile now.

4. YouTube.

This is a simple one. For a simple reason. It's always easier to watch someone do something than read it. Especially when you're learning. Everything I know about cameras, photography, videography... All that I learned from YouTube. It's an untapped resource of millions of people sharing ideas. Why not take advantage? Which carries nicely into my last example…

5. Internet.

No joke. As oxymoronic as it may sound, the internet is a digital platform everyone should be using. There are lots of people in the world who despise social networks, and that's warranted! A bunch of randoms complaining or bragging about the latest and lamest trend, controversy, or idea sweeping the nation. But the internet is so much more without social networks; it's the entirety of any idea ever conceived cataloged in one mass communication method that is accessible to everyone.