Photo by shioshviliSo I think it’s safe to say that nearly anyone that has internet access has had some sort of experience with social networks. Whether it be Facebook, Twitter, Google +, LinkedIn or any number of other options available for keeping in touch. But, do you feel like your life is being consumed by social networking?
Benefits of Social Networking
As you can see, I’m an active member of Facebook, Twitter and Google +. This helps me to reach out to other areas of the interwebz so that I may connect with others and share my blog. Not only that, but I am able to give updates of new articles and posts as they come available. I find that it’s a great way to reach potential visitors thus creating a larger circle of participants. I love to not only share my views concerning a wide variety of topics, but I also like feedback and to hear the opinions of others as well. Social Networking helps me in accomplishing this.
Social Networking has very quickly become a great outlet to connect for many site owners. There is a huge majority of sites, blogs, stores etc. on the web that utilize it for connecting with others. But, Social Networking is not only that sort of tool. It is also a means for personal use, to keep in touch with friends, family, clients and a place to meet new folks to engage with. That’s all well and fine, but for some, it’s become a whirlwind of interaction that simply consumes their every action and thought.
Is there a Problem?
Some classify this as a Social Networking Addiction, or maybe you’ve heard the term Internet Addiction Disorder. Now listen folks, these are very real disorders and they actually have treatment and supports groups available. For those that feel they have an uncontrollable desire to either be communicating via a social network, or that constantly have to be in front of the computer, this may apply to you.
Don’t get me wrong here, I’m not here to judge anyone or point any fingers. I’m just discussing the facts here, it’s up to you to decide if you fit into this category or not. But this post isn’t about finding treatment or trying to turn anyone away from their internet connections. I just find it quite interesting as it’s fast becoming more and more common the amount of people that are actually on these social networks. Just think back a few years ago. These social sites haven’t really been around that long and they have connected millions, if not billions of people world wide. It swept over the globe almost over night.
Some Statistics on Social Network Usage
There are some folks out there that document their every move, for instance, on Facebook. I personally don’t care when someone goes to take a crap, or where they’re eating at that particular time. But there are some that insist on telling the world what they are doing at every waking moment. Personally I don’t think it’s safe to document your every move. What if someone were planning to rob you or something. They’d know exactly either where you were, or where you weren’t. Just seem a little careless to me. Sometimes people post even during their sleep. There are apps and stuff out there that will auto post stuff for you even if you’re not around.
There was a recent study done combining 24 of the most popular social networks to find the age distribution that were using them. According to this study, 26% of users were between the ages 25-34, 25% between 35-44. That’s over half the users showing to be between the ages of 25-44. That is actually surprising to me, I would of thought that a greater percentage would of been teenagers. But in actuality on 5% of the users were under the age of 17. The study went further to show what social network users 35+ were using. Being 55% on Twitter, 63% on Pinterest, 65% on Facebook and a whopping 79% were on LinkedIn.
Sharing Some Thoughts on the Subject
I think social networking is excellent for connecting with long distance relatives or friends. You can share things that are going on in your life and share photos and videos. These sites make it a breeze to keep in touch. But have you ever been sitting in a restaurant and notice just how many people are sitting there staring at their phones? It’s almost like people have forgotten how to talk to each other. They would rather sit in a booth, with someone sitting across the table from them, and make posts to their social networks rather than carry on a conversation with that person.
Please don’t take this the wrong way, I don’t want to sound hypocritical considering this is posted on the internet…lol But I’m talking about severe dedication to these social networks and being totally consumed. Not just the average person checking up on it a few times a day.
Maybe I’m a little old fashioned and I need to catch up with the times, but it just seems a little out of control to me. Is this just simply the direction the world is meant to be going? Is it like those Sci-Fi movies where everything is digital and holograms everywhere? Or do any of you think it’s getting a bit out of control? Do you have a loved one that is paying more attention to their phone or computer than you? I would love to hear your opinions and views on these questions, feel free to comment and tell my what you think. And of course, feel free to share this post with your favorite social network. 🙂
I found this reference, they say a picture is worth 1,000 words. These photos on Albert Einstein’s Biggest Fears describe this post perfectly, you must check them out!
You’re right Robert, and people display all the symptoms of addiction… Like denial.
Yes Andrew, seemingly there are many of the same signs of addiction that are apparent with Internet Addiction Disorder. Denial being one of the main factors.
I love social networking because I\’m able to keep in touch with friends that I have all over the country and all over the world. But I agree that it can become addicting and needs to be controlled.
I wonder how life will be in 10 years from now.. I guess this addiction will become our everyday life, and people who are normal by today`s standards will be viewed as strange..
Yep Adrian it’s crazy to think about that. The times are changing so rapidly and in such a completely different direction there’s no telling what may happen in 10 years. I’m sure you nailed it right on the head though.
Internet Addiction Disorder.. Sounds scary. But I think it does exist. I am not as addicted as you have depicted in the article, and I really hope that I wont become that way.
I hear ya Keith. As Andrew pointed out, denial is closely knitted with any addiction.
As much as ALL of us depend on the internet even for the most simple task, such as banking etc., any one of us could become wrapped up as described and not even realize it.
I suppose it’s just a matter of opinion of when to say you’ve reached that point.
Great article! These must be some of social networkings best kept secrets. Or I’m really out of the loop….In any case, thanks for the great advice.
Hey thanks Denver…I think society as a whole doesn’t fully recognize social networking as an addiction. But studies have shown it to carry all the similar traits of any other addiction in the people that are consumed.
Hi Robert, I am working in local media here. Social networking (through social media) is a must. The danger now however is that addiction to it has often neglected the importance of face-to-face encounter. And worse, it challenges intimacy in families. You can imagine when will wife/husband say when iphones, ipads, or blackberries are taken along to bed.
Thanks a bunch for the input Harson! You’re absolutely correct, people are becoming less likely to interact face-to-face on a social level. It’s not a very good sign for our future.
As far as taking the devices to bed, now that’s a scary thought!
Yes. *goes back to Instagram*…
Interesting article! really good.
Emma, Instagram is a great way to share photos etc. And of course share them with the social networks.
James, thank you sir, glad you enjoyed it.