It’s OK To Ignore Social Media

Posted by Corvida On May - 1 - 2008

Question Len Gutman recently write about feeling Social Media overload. While I don’t share his feelings about being overloaded, his post caused me to wonder if maybe we’re peer pressuring our readers into joining these services.

Social Media Is Not For Everyone

I feel as if most of us aren’t understanding this. Social Media is not for everyone for one reason alone:

Not everyone wants to socialize online 24/7.

There’s literally a handful of internet users that do like to socialize online . So, when we promote these services that cater to the social niche of the web, we’re essentially badgering others to hop on the bandwagon with no regards to users who really don’t need the added distractions.

What Are Some Solutions?

Lightbulb I don’t want to stop talking about how great these services are and my experiences with them. However, I don’t want to unintentionally pressure my readers into jumping on these services also. Moderation would seem to be the best solution for bloggers.

On the same note, it’s up to the readers to make the final decision and to stop letting bloggers make it for them. It’s perfectly fine for you to read my opinions and thoughts, but don’t let ME make the decision for you. I can’t manage your social media tools for you. Don’t drown yourself in distractions and noise just because you want to participate in the latest craze.

Just Ignore Social Media

I understand that the repeated mentions of certain services tends to have an effect on most of us. That doesn’t mean you should give in. It’s OK to ignore social media and what’s being said about it. Everyone has their uses for it, and for some, it may serve absolutely no purpose. That’s perfectly fine. If it’s becoming too much for you, take a break or switch your reading habits. That’s why niche blogs exist. Find other blogs that suit what you’re looking to find out more about.

In my opinion, there is no such thing as peer pressure because you make your own decisions. You decide what’s worth your time and attention. Keyword: YOU.

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Social Media, Tech Opinion

Jas Talents and Models

I have just joined facebook but just don't have the time to interact online...only occasionally. But I must say it is a great for networking.

M

I'm curious as to why it is someone else's responsibility to promote responsible use? Informing people (either a small group or en masse) is just that, information. Blaming someone for promoting the latest social media taking away from other (un)important things in life, is blameshifting and in my opinion ridiculous.

Keep on spreading the word.. :)

Corvida

It's no one's responsibility, but it's a flip side (if you wish to partake
in it) to promoting things to other people. This is why I stated that it's
the readers responsibility to make the final decision on whether or not to
use the tool. However, for those of us that are suckers for the latest, it
can take a toll on us when we see people that we follow and who's opinions we hold
in high regard, consistently and constantly promoting certain services.

rodaniel

So, maybe a worthwhile follow-up question to this is, if I was going to spend a small amount of time on social media, primarily as a means of promoting my own (personal - not professional) blog, where's the best place to invest my efforts? Or is that an altogether misguided approach?.

colinwalker

This is what I was trying to get to with the discussion about being a social media role model. People have their normal lives with families, kids etc. and encouraging them to be online means that something else is going to suffer.

Yes, we can encourage the use of social media but it has to be responsibly otherwise we are not setting an example that people will want to follow.

SheGeeks

Consumer Web 2.0 App Reviews and Social Web Conversations