Yes it’s true! I know it’s hard to believe for those of us that are zealous social medias fans, but some people still have doubts about joining the “new media” revolution.
T
hroughout my social media adventures, I have heard valid concerns, naïve assumptions and humorous objections, especially about the big player – Facebook.
Touting a database of more than 500 million users and growing stronger every day, Facebook is not only the #1 social site; they are intent on rivaling Google’s empire. Facebook’s Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg was featured in Fast Company, where he shared that Facebook “is a movement not a website”.
With Facebook’s staggering growth and let’s face it worldwide presence, will the following objections hold enough validity to actually stop someone from joining this social media giant?
1. “I don’t need any more friends”: Really? Unless you have devoted yourself to a life of solitude this philosophy will not serve you well. As humans we not only need but crave interaction with others. Think of Facebook as a networking tool at your fingertips. Now the introvert can express themselves without being thrust into a physical crowd, the closet comedian can test his material before taking the stage or the new mom can stay at home and still stay connected.
2. “Facebook is for college kids”: In the beginning this statement was true but today could not be more off target. The fastest growing demographic in Facebook is 35 years old and up. It’s obvious that the Gen X and Baby Boom generation is quickly realizing the value of this phenomenal operating system.
3. “I am concerned about my privacy”: There are a few ways to look at this one.
- If you are participating in technology and the internet, your privacy is already compromised. The reality is that we all leave a digital trail. Can we put systems in place to help protect us? Sure we can but we must not be naïve to the truths of cyberspace.
- If you are engaging in social media for fun, sites (especially Facebook) have gone to great programming lengths to ensure that you can control your privacy. That being said it is up to you to review and control your privacy settings.
- If your participation in social media is to build your brand and large networks of people, then you must embrace transparency. Be as you are! We all want to be surrounded by like minded people and the world is full of them. Facebook provides a digital platform for those connections.
4. “Facebook is a time waster”: The same goes for television and video games. In all reality the product is not to blame; it is our own responsibility to set limits. If you are using Facebook for business there are many time saving tips and tools designed specifically for efficiency.
5. “I don’t care what someone had for breakfast”: That is what people say but it appears by Facebook’s success that people really do want to peek behind the curtain and see what you are up to. Granted if you are posting boring content and doing so way too often, people will stop looking. Add a little spice to your post, even if it is about what you just ate and the crowd will stay entertained.
Facebook is like a party. It’s a place to connect, share and have fun. If you still decide that you never want to join Facebook that’s ok, even without you or me the festivities will go on. With that being said, I plan on wearing my party hat for years to come.
