Facebook we know, but what about Tumblr.com, Last.fm, Fetch, Digg, Twitter, LinkedIn, Foursquare and on and on the list goes? The question: What is essential social networking, and what is too much?
Are you always connected?
Source: 123RF
Researchers at the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project have determined that many people have a saturation point with technology. They finally get to a place where they just aren’t interested in adding more and more to their digital lives (Monica Hesse, “Keeping Up With Social Networking Sites: How Much Is Enough?” WashingtonPost.com, Oct. 19, 2010).
How do you know if you have reached that point? Estimate how much time you spend on Facebook, Twitter, etc., and add up the number of times you interrupt other activities to check these sites. Do you spend multiple hours on the Internet? Do you constantly check your phone or computer for updates? If so, it’s probably time to cut back on social networking. Technology should add to your life, but it should not be an addiction.
