Social Networking: Necessity or Guilty Pleasure?

This week I have no naked truth to impart. Rather, I’m seeking the naked truth—yours, to be exact—regarding social networking.

I’m fascinated by the pervasiveness of Facebook and Twitter.  Although I have a Facebook account I only visit the site a couple times a week, usually to confirm my blog posts are updating. Only occasionally do I write a specific update on my Facebook page. But there are many who qualify as Facebook junkies (you know who you are!) and I’d like your input regarding what it is you love about Facebook, as well as if your reasons for creating a Facebook page have changed over time or remain the same.

Now for Twitter. I don’t have a Twitter account, but I’m told I’m missing out. My questions here are the same. If you love Twitter, please leave a comment explaining why and what keeps you tuned in.

Part of the reason I’m slow to jump on the social networking bandwagon is time. To make room in my already slammed schedule for Facebook and Twitter I'll have to bump something else, and believe me when I say there isn't anything I can expel.  How do you find the time to be active in the social networking sites without taking time from other worthy/mandatory pursuits, and—here’s the big question—do you consider social networking to be a productive use of your time, or frivolous? Is it a necessity or a guilty pleasure?

I’m seeking the naked truth about social networking. Love it or loathe it, I’d like to hear your point of view!

See you next for Book Blurb Friday –

Lisa

Finally on Facebook!

For many moons I resisted the howl of Facebook, that social networking phenomenon which, love it or hate it, is an integral part global life. Like kudzu, its growth is exponential. There is no stopping or slowing it down.

I avoided Facebook for one simple reason: time. I feared adding Facebook to my already burgeoning list of daily agenda items was akin to whacking myself with a hammer just because everyone else was doing it. Where do people find the time, and how would I? Why would I? What's the big deal?

The big deal is pretty simple. Fun. Facebook is fun. Since signing up a week or so ago I've chatted with relatives, re-connected with old friends and enjoyed hooking up with other writers. Even when I'm not actually communicating, it is nice to check my news feed and see what everyone posted.  Snippets of humor and quick comments are enough to bring a smile, always a nice pick-me-up midday. The best part is--surprise!--it takes little time at all.

The only aspect of Facebook I'm not crazy about is all the picture posting. If there's going to be a picture of me out in cyberspace, I'd like it to first have my stamp of approval.  My husband and kids did not get that memo, and if they did, opted to ignore it.  Completely.  Good thing I lost my vanity along with my natural hair color, eh?

So where do you stand on Facebook? Are you an avid user or a minimalist? Do you consider it to be a toy, a tool or a necessary evil in today's internet-drenched society?

Off to check my Facebook--
Lisa