I like to consider myself pretty tech and social media savvy. However, I have recently found myself pondering how many networks I could realistically handle on a personal basis.
In my day job, I am constantly evaluating networks and what resources would be needed to add them to the company’s mix. Unfortunately, that due diligence and tightening of the belt rarely happens when I am farting around with my phone or playing on a computer. We’re social beings so adding another network can’t hurt right?
Some might say no, but for me, I have to take a step back and say yes, it can. Trying to play with too many networks just burns you out. For me, the line One more is too many, One more is never enough seems to sum it up for me. I have really cut back recently and really only participate actively in five social networks, below are the five and my reasons for sticking to them.
Twitter – this is my go to site for news, entertainment and catching up with friends and trading random insults. Over the past few weeks, work has been a whirlwind. The only way that I keep up with current events and tech news is by looking at one of my lists. When I see a bunch of friends sharing an article or trend, I’ll open the link and email it to myself for lunch or evening reading. While I am no longer as active as I was in the past in Twitter chats, the network is really one where great relationships can be made.
Facebook – this is my necessary evil of social networks. It is the one place where all of my friends and family are. I think Bilbo Baggins birthday speech might sum up the network best: “I don’t know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.” A lot of interesting (politest word I could think of here) things are posted on Facebook. Some make you cringe; others make you laugh while others make you want to cry. I see this as a place to keep in touch with everyone and really dig the private groups feature.
Foursquare – I love this network. While I am not that social on it, I do find it valuable when traveling to new cities or if you are looking for recommendations for a good bite to eat or need to find a place for a quick pit stop with the kid.
Instagram – humans are visual beings. This network, which was acquired by Facebook, allows us to see what friends are doing at any given time. I like seeing what people are doing and really get inspired by some of the photos. Believe it or not, I have a private profile on this network and control what I share. I am also kind of peeved with the new public pages and how random folks are liking pictures I have taken, but hey since Facebook owns the network we should never assume privacy of any kind.
Untappd – I love beer. I love this application because it allows me to keep track of beers that I have consumed and also allows me to see what others think of the beers that they are currently tasting.
LinkedIn, GetGlue and Path are networks that are ones that I wish I could get into more, but just can’t. So when it comes to them, I really dip my toe in every now and then. I see a value in all of them, but just have to focus on a few.
How many networks do you actively participate in?
Image: Bjorn1101
