This weekend everyone was talking about Google+, the internet giant’s social networking raspberry at Facebook. People pleaded for invites on Twitter from those lucky enough to be let into the inner sanctum of the field beta.
The thought of building it all up again on Google makes my head spin. I’ve just mastered how to create a Facebook fan page, have spent hours building up friends, and keep trying to stay on top of Facebook’s ever-changing privacy setting. I’m a busy working mum and all this networking stuff takes A LOT of time.
It begs the question: how much social networking is too much?
Coupled with the news a few weeks ago that Facebook numbers have dropped recently in developed countries, it makes you wonder perhaps people are opting out in favour of more niche social networking sites (and less privacy headaches??).
Thoughts? Are you fed up with Facebook? Do you have time for Google+? Are you spending more time on more niche sites?
How much social networking is too much?
(Thanks to mtjam for the inspiration for this post)
-Susanna (A Modern Mother)
Lottie
Thursday 14th of July 2011
I am so far loving what Google+ has to offer for precisely all of the reasons you mention above. It's privacy settings and the way it allows you to share different things with different people (audiences) is far superior. Also, if you have a Google Mail account, use Google Calendar and Google Docs and the various other magnificent online Google products (yes, I am a Google Geek) Google+ has HUGE potential to be the one stop shop we avid social networkers desire and need. For the first time there is something that has the ability to rival Facebook and rival it well. It's quicker, the functionality is smarter, more intuitive and ridiculously easy to navigate. There are fantastic options such as 'Hangout' which has huge potential for more online conferencing/tweetups/online meetings. The sharing function is superb and right now I can't fault it. The online chat functions are far better than Skype and all in all I think Google have nailed it. I am now just desperate for everyone to give up on Facebook so that I can concentrate my efforts on Google+ and finally be able to head to one place and one place only for my social networking needs. Sadly, I feel this may take some time but the speed with which Google+ is filling up would suggest not too much time if it's as good as I think it is. Lottie -x-
Mummy Daddy and Me makes Three
Tuesday 12th of July 2011
I have joined Google + but at the moment it is hard to try it out because I have no friends on there! I agree that at the moment it just seems like another social networking site to build up. That said if anyone wants an invite let me know!?
Susanna
Tuesday 12th of July 2011
Thanks Liz. When I saw the pic I know it was a must purchase because it showed how I felt. There is no substitute for in the flesh socialising.
Susanna
Tuesday 12th of July 2011
Makes you wonder when to say no though. xx
claire
Monday 11th of July 2011
i am SO with you! Actual blogging takes up minutes, it's the social networking that takes up time. And although I love it - nothing better than scrolling down facebook when you haven't seen it for a couple of days, it can all feel a bit of a slog. But you're right, I don't want to feel like i'm missing out, so Google+ here I come. When someone invites me....