One thing I don’t try to hide is my love of social media – however over the years how I use it and my platforms of choice have shifted.
I’ve struggled a little in the past 12 months - attempting to protect my personal life from it's online presence. It’s often had me questioning the reasons I have a blog and use social media.
Whilst I don’t really worry about the judgement of others, I have been my own worst critic when it comes to this.
There are pros and cons. We all know that. What can one day be a useful tool for keeping in touch with friends and family or networking with like minded people (whether it be socially or professionally), can the next test your relationships, anger people and be a major cause of stress and anxiety.
My boyfriend HATES social media and by that I particularly mean the “social” platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Twitter he’s used for a laugh with mates and he’s slowly realizing the value of LinkedIn as a means to position yourself for future career moves and to network within your industry. But when it comes to Facebook in particular it’s a no go zone and one he hates. Google his name and the only digital footprint you'll find is a LinkedIn profile with no photo (trust me, I tried it in the early days!).
The past 12 months my blog, my blog’s Facebook page, my personal Twitter account (I also have one for work) and my Instagram account have been the go-to-place for people connected to him to scour for snippets of information to use against him as it pertains to our relationship. More often that not some of what I post actually has nothing to do with him or us, but when someone who doesn’t know me reads it, well let’s just say they can interpret or choose to make something out of nothing. Perception is often reality.
Other times, well, I confess I have vented about being stalked by his ex and her friend and hit delete not long after (sometimes only a matter or minutes) realizing I am only adding fuel to fire.
It never ceases to amaze me just how many of these times, he’d receive an angry text in response to something I had posted that might have only been online a matter of minutes before I decided to delete. Just goes to show how closely some people stalk watch.
I will never reveal names or pictures of those involved. Ours is a complex situation.
My approach has changed. I’ve backed off from the whole “blogging” thing - I post when I have something I really want to share or seek self therapy by tapping the keyboard. I like to share the opportunities that brandss provide around giveaways when I believe that those I know read my ramblings will enjoy or benefit from them. Some of those choices I get wrong. I know that. It’s trial and error. Just like life.
I've had moments where I’ve stopped and looked at other bloggers and to be honest thought, “yes we are a self absorbed, self centred bunch”, but then remembered there’s WAY more to it and it’s far more complex than that. I’ve wanted to give myself a little smack for putting a judgy hat on - and let me make it clear most of that judgment I’ve centered on myself.
My personal Facebook account has been culled and I probably should cut it further. I find it hard to say no when someone sends a friend request. I have a separate profile under my blog name and I try to keep it to connect with other bloggers and people I’ve met through social media or blogging events.
Twitter I come and go with. The trouble is I have a Blackberry phone (for work) and it’s not user friendly when it comes to tweeting, so I pop over there from time to time but am trying to build up my work twitter account to connect with our industry and my clients. It’s a great way to follow key trends and share information.
Pinterest I love. It IS a time waster. No doubt. You can get lost in there. I mostly re-pin other people’s images – things I like and want to come back to for ideas, whether it be to put an outfit together, amuse Little T or get creative around the home (SO many best laid plans!).
Instagram I have recently made private. I love taking photos but once again having a Blackberry phone, I am limited to times when I have my iPad or iPod touch handy.
I recently shared some personal things which aforementioned boyfriends’ ex’s friend latched onto and messaged me on Facebook about - so it's now private. Send a request to follow me and if you don’t look like you’re connected to her in anyway (and she’s great at making up fake accounts so I am cautious) then I’ll add you and we can follow each other.
To me Instagram is a feel good thing. So many beautiful, creative and fun photos. I love how many of my friends are now joining and I find it great keeping in touch visually.
LinkedIn I use a lot and am getting more into.
I try to keep my online time to a minimum but we all know time can get away especially on Facebook and Pinterest. It's a challenge to find a balance between my addiction to social media, the professional and personal benefits it provides and the wedge it has potential to create if I step over the line on a personal level.
What's your take? Obviously if you're reading this you've been on some form of social media. What's your platfrom of choice? Do you have someone close to you who is anti-social media?
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