Monday, July 26, 2010
Evolution or something like it.
I've been thinking about my use of Social Networking/Media and how it's changed since I started participating in it a few years ago.My life-stream/what's happening now approach has changed and it was just recently that I've noticed this change. What I'm trying to pinpoint is why I've changed my usage/approach and where did this change come from. It's still a great communication source for my personal connections but it's also proven itself to be an invaluable business and self-marketing tool.
How about you, has your use of these services changed? Are you more personal or less personal with these tools since you first started? Let me know!
I view it even more as a source of shared information -- personal, business, local and national news -- but all at once. As more individuals, companies, news outets and organizations have joined in, I see social media having a stronger appeal. Yet social media never seems to settle down enough to really be figured out completely or present us with a chance for it to be neatly 'fit in to a box' and examined.
The constant evolution and popularity of sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, & Foursquare make social media both elusive and exhilarating. I am intrigued yet exhausted by the efforts needed to maintain and build genuine relationships. While I find it rewarding, it's a challenging commitment.
Looking back now, I suppose I'm not participating all that differently today than when I started. However, I like to think I "get it" more now, can navigate through it without too many blunders, and have enhanced my ability to make real connections.
The most obvious difference for me is the fact that I find myself yearning to participate more than ever. I only wish I had more time and flexibility to do so. As more assimilate to the use of social media, it will become more acceptable to be there and easier to use in our daily lives.
By Kate Knox on 07/27/2010