Do You Have to Be Social on Social Media?
There is something bothering me about social media and I’m wondering if it’s just me. I have noticed a few users following me, mostly on Twitter and Instagram, who don’t have profile pictures. It bothers me. Not necessarily because I can’t see their faces, their pictures could be of a tree or an alligator for all I care, but because it feels like they are lurking. They are watching and listening but not participating. They haven’t joined the conversation and they aren’t sharing anything about themselves. It feels kind of unfair. I’m putting myself out there and it feels like they are watching me from behind a bush with binoculars.
I remember a friend saying once that for some people Facebook feels like putting a big billboard in your front yard and then being mad when people see it. I get that. I’m in control of what I share and how I participate on social media. I know people are watching and I don’t get to decide how they watch or what they say. Still, I can’t help but wonder if you have an account and you want to watch and listen, why don’t you want to participate?
Social media can be a great way to connect with not only your family and friends but people you wouldn’t otherwise meet. You never know what kind of community you might find. Heck, I met my husband on Twitter. That probably would not have happened if my profile picture was blank and I stood silently on the sidelines.
It is just me? Do you have to be social on social media? I guess the answer is no, you don’t, but I wish you would.
That’s a good question. I think there are a few answers to that. 1. People may not contribute because they don’t think they know enough on the topic to add their opinion. 2. People sometimes want to read and not interact. 3. Some people don’t feel like they have anything to say.
I have 14 people following me on Twitter for no apparent reason. I don’t know why they decided to follow me. I have only retweeted twice on my newest account. I follow many celebs on Instagram and rarely post pics.
I “like” three or four Introvert Facebook pages and they say that social media is perfect for introverts, because it means they don’t have to interact with people.
Thanks for your comments Sweats! I realize now that even though I’m an introvert I really hadn’t thought about my question from an introvert’s perspective. It is nice to just read and not interact sometimes. Social media really is perfect for introverts. You can be anonymous if you want to and you can completely control when, how, and if you interact with anyone. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts! I think starting a blog again has me feeling a little exposed and vulnerable! What have I done?? 🙂
I understand the vulnerability of blogging! I’m really glad you’re writing, Court. You have things to say.
Thanks Robin! Yes, pressing publish is a little nerve-wracking but just for a second!