Are We Addicted?

Some great insight Chris. It's worth noting that connecting and socializing is the same as it always has been, only now we have new tools to do it. Asking whether or not we're addicted to “social media” is the wrong question. The question – at least, I think – you should be asking is whether we're addicted to the tools.

Which I think is the message you were trying to get across, right?

Hell yes. Recently made the decision to get rid of TweetDeck so I could get more work done and stop getting sucked in to drama and useless conversation.

I can still connect with people on Twitter using the .com client, but the important thing is that I regained control. I just don't have the discipline to unplug when there are so many cool things happening.

I find a lot of value in the “socializing,” but only when I'm off the clock. It keeps me from doing great work…and that's a problem.

Well said, Chris. I've heard from so many that they're avoiding social media because of the time suck factor. I usually counter this objection by telling people that social media is a tool, like any other tool you'd use for your business. If used wisely, and within the parameters of your social media strategy and your business plan, it can bring you incredicle results and offer up opportunities you may have missed if you hadn't been online that day.

I always question whether or not people fully understand time management. Just like anything in life it should be done in moderation or you will lose sight of your goals and purpose for being on anyway.

Kyle,

I believe we create content on the web so rapidly that the question of managing our time goes out of the window.

If we aren't consuming content, we are creating it. There is no fine line between the two and most web publishers certainly don't realize they aren't focused on generating results for their business.

The real-time web has certainly created that unnecessary need for us to allow us to always be attentive of the latest trends. Kinda scary.

Nathan,

That is the disadvantage of having a social dashboard. We are able to track far more then we need to. We then get updates appearing from friends which we don't need to follow at that moment.

I found also that using Twitter.com has helped keep me focused on one conversation at a time. Not only can I give that one tweet 100% of my attention, but I am no longer getting distracted 24/7 by continual updates.

Oh yeah, most definintely a HUGE time waster and something we need to constantly be monitoring of ourselves and especially if doing for business – So many benefits but also just more “busy work” giving us an excuse to 'avoid” the income producing actvities that we know we should be focusing on instead. What works well for me is setting a timer and when it goes off, I'm done. This way too, when you know you only have so much time, it helps to keep you focused on making sure the time spent is productive.

Thanks for the reminder Chris! Have an awesome day!! Thanks, Laura

Chris, I discovered this early this year. I reduce the amount of time expended in twitter and now I try to use my time wisely, I regret that I didn't made a video about it.

The Afterthought
Nothing but thanks, I am Social Media-outed.

Well said. You mentioned in the video how we sometimes need to pull back. I couldn't agree more. I just posted a note on my blog this past week and called it “The Slingshot Principle.” Talking about how sometimes we need to intentionally pull back so that we can then fly forward. Pulling back is the hard part. It's opposite the direction most of us want to go but so important for balance and sustainability. I find myself needing to do it often so that I can realign myself to what is most important.

I've been very much in the quality mode for some time now. Focusing on new things, a new role and where I invest my energy is so important. I love people and it's easy for me to get into the routine of talking with everyone about everything (to a degree) because I enjoy it, but like you said better than I can, there's a fine line of how that correlates to getting the job done or making an efficient and truly productive use of time. Something very interesting though, is the semi-backlash one can get for it. People don't understand the recalibration, label it elitist and don't necessarily understand why I may not want to be connected with them in all networks, etc. Fodder for my own post (I don't write enough:-) As always – and I don't say it often enough – thanks for your contribution. Always enjoy your stuff Chris!

Yes of course we are.We all try to stay connected all the day with friends as well as professionals though the social media and now its the time when we can't stay with out it.

You really right! I'm new to social media and I just can't stop! I delete more than half of my google rss feeds, but still can't stop press a link here a link there and here I go to the internet world with no end! Now I'm trying to focus in a selection of blogs, forums and try to don't move out from there but it isn't easy! For sure your blog will never come out of my feeds it is my favorite. Keep the good work leading me to understand social media!