There’s no doubt we’re in an age where there is a social network for just about any and everything you can imagine. Even us early adopters and security guards of the cyberworld have a hard time keeping up with all these new shiny things that seem to launch every other day. We’d all like to think we know about every single new social network out there, but let’s be honest – WE DON’T. But, as these new things launch we find ourselves rushing over to the new site and signing up; even if we’re NEVER EVER going to actively use the service or be active in the community. Why do we do this? Is it because we’re sincerely interesting in playing an active role in the community? Is it because we want to be able to say we had an account before the mass public did? Is it because we want to appear cutting edge? Do we think signing up for these things early gives us more stars on our geek badge? What is it?
I used to sign up for each and every new thing that came out too, but you know what? There came a time in my life where I needed to be realistic and start deleting some of those accounts because I hadn’t been active and probably would never be. Believe it or not; once I purged some of those accounts, my life did NOT end [imagine that]. I feel like a part of me purging some of this stuff was also me cutting through the hype of all this web 2.0, social media (or whatever you want to call it today) stuff. It’s cool to be on the “cutting edge” and it’s cool to be part of this wacky social media world, but at some point you have to say enough is enough. I hear people complain all the time about how their time is being sucked up by this and by that. Well, stop signing up for every damn thing that comes out and you might not be so overwhelmed.
For instance: I think the web 2.0 social networking mommy hype has gotten way out of control (it’s actually starting to annoy the hell out of me). I am a mother of two girls ages 12 and 15 and I am always getting these invites to all these mommy social networks. I love being a mom and all, but I swear, if I get another invite to a “mommy” social network, I may poke my own eyes out. I know some moms who are on every mommy site out there (and more power to you – to each his/her own), but I don’t really want to spend my entire day talking about my kids (gasp). Yes, I said it. I don’t want to talk about my kids all day. When you enter my world of teenagers, boobs, butt and boys, you’ll understand why I say this.
It would be a different story if any of these networks were different, but in all honesty they’re essentially the same; just a different name, url and color scheme (no offense to anyone who’s started one. Girl Power – do your thing). So, realistically I don’t need to join all those spaces because 1) they don’t appeal to me and 2) I’m already on one and that is enough. Shout out to Mom Bloggers Club. This is a part of cutting through the hype. Looking at this from a realistic perspective and asking yourself do I really need to join mommy social network #6 (or whatever app or social network you’re facing) or can I skip this one? Trust me, if you skip one, you won’t lose any geek cred.
What are your HONEST opinons about joining and signing up for every single social network out there? Share your thoughts here.
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