Merriam Webster.com defines
social media as "forms of electronic communication (as Web sites for
networking and microblogging) through which users create online
communities to share information, ideas, personal messages and other content (as videos)."
How do you feel about social media?
Love it?
Hate it?
Or, like me, some days like it better than others?
Which ones do you use? Facebook? Twitter? Pinterest? Instagram? Blogs? Goodreads?
It's a good way to meet and stay in touch with people. How many friends have you made through social media? I've met most of you through blogging, and connected with friends old and new on Facebook.
It's a marketing must - to establish a platform and spread the word about our books, writing, or services. Fans and friends (or friends who are fans!) are able to see what's offered and the latest happenings.
It makes the world smaller and more personal. How many of us have friends from other parts of the country or world? It expands horizons that we'd not have otherwise.
Good things, all.
But there's a downside too.
Raise your hand if you've gotten sucked into social media when you were supposed to be working on a project, editing, or making dinner. (Guilty.)
This is the aspect I don't like, the temptation to get distracted and pressure to be or do something we are not. Sure, there are other things that distract us in life. But I think social media surrounds and affects us more than we realize, and it isn't always beneficial. Society expects us to be connected 24/7. This is not good when it takes us away from quality offline life.
The solution? A plan with balance and perspective, I think. Different for everyone, and worth assessing often. Forbes.com shares helpful tips in this article, 10 Social Media Time Management Tips.
Has social media ever overtaken your day? What do you do to maintain a good balance?
Have a great week,
Karen
P.S. If you haven't already, please free to connect with me through my new Facebook Author Page, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Twitter with the buttons on the sidebar. I promise I won't tie you up 24/7. :)
Photo credit: Stock Exchange
