Social Networks

It continually surprises me how many of my friends, family members, colleagues, etc. refuse to use different social networks. From Facebook to Twitter to Google+, they are set on staying disconnected in our modern world.

The most common reason I hear is that Facebook is stupid or Twitter is pointless or something in that vein. People just play stupid games or post what they just ate for lunch. Granted, those things do make Facebook stupid and Twitter pointless. But I think most of us would probably agree that there is no quicker way to get hidden from a timeline or unfollowed than to do those types of things.

It's really too bad that some unsavvy users have given such a bad rap to otherwise powerful tools, especially for newcomers (and very latecomers). As I fight to convince a few stubborn friends to join Facebook, they refuse to see the potential good and just focus on the bad. When we all want to get together for something, it is always arranged through Facebook, so they inevitably miss out. And staying up-to-date on what's happening in each other's lives? They're left in the dark.

I seem to have an even more uphill battle with Twitter. But if you want to hear about the latest news as it breaks, there is no better tool. And if you want commentary on that same news? It's certainly the best place. And if you want to know what someone had for lunch? You won't, because you already unfollowed that person a long time ago.

Of course, I'd be okay giving up Facebook if my battle in favor of Google+ would go anywhere. It really hasn't, and that's a shame because it's so much better.

I can definitely understand not understanding certain networks or hot new apps etc. While I generally try to utilize as many as I can, not all of them work for me. That's certainly not their fault, it's just how I tend to use the internet and share things.

Now certainly there are concerns with any social network. But that's why you just have to be a savvy user. You wouldn't refuse to ever use a hammer again because there are some people in the world who don't use hammers appropriately. It's a tool just like any other. If you focus on using it correctly, it will be a huge benefit to you. And to me.