Occasionally I come across someone who is not a Facebook user or is anti-social media. I don’t believe social media is for everyone or that everyone has to use it. I respect people that simply say “I choose not to” or even explain their reasoning for not being a user. What I do find interesting is the people that attack Facebook, Twitter, blogs etc saying “It’s stupid,” or, “a waste of time”.
It can be a waste of time, certainly. However, other activities long accepted can be a waste of time as well. TV and reading books can be considered a waste of time. Some would say my love of doing jigsaw puzzles is a waste of time (I consider it keeping my sanity). As with other activities, it is all about priorities. If your priorities are in order and you are getting things done, you ought to have, and feel the freedom to pursue these activities without being scoffed at.
That said, I have asked myself recently why I use Facebook and why I blog. I can’t answer for others, but here are a few of the reasons I do.
- I love Facebook because I get to regularly see pictures and hear stories about my nephews that I wouldn’t otherwise
- I was born and raised overseas. Many of my friends and classmates are scattered all over the world. Facebook gives me glimpses of what they are up to.
- Because of social curating of information, I am exposed to books, articles, and more that I would know about otherwise
- I love blogging because I love to write
- I love blogging because I love to hear what other people’s ideas are and learn from them
- I am a technology geek and love trying out new things
- Because my background in in Internet design and development, I feel it is important to participate in Internet technologies
I think one of the biggest appeals of blogging and social media is that they have given a voice to the average person. For the first time, an average person can share their thoughts, ideas etc and gain a following without having to go through agencies etc.
I respect people that don’t use social media. However, I have to disagree with people that I call haters. As with every new technology, there are pros and cons, but to dismiss it without any consideration of both sides of the coin is thoughtless.