Private Social Media? Is Community the New Trend??

This isn't my typical post. But found it worthy of sharing. As much as I have discussed my frustration with technology and social media in the past, it sure was refreshing to see in The New York Times - "Social Networks Offer a Way to Narrow the Field of Friends"

I know it may sound like this is my soap box subject, but honestly, I think Facebook is a wonderful tool to keep in touch with others. But, I also think it can be a way of losing the intimacy we once had in relationships. The alternate Facebook options mentioned in the article below give ways to reduce the amount of people you share every detail of life with. Facebook, along with Twitter grew in popularity so quickly and seemed to overtake the social media world. What started as a college social site, Facebook now includes news channels, churches, organizations, and more that all communicate and advertise through it. So, as I read the article below, I was encouraged to see that people still desire to have community!

Social Networks Offer a Way to Narrow the Field of Friends
by Jenna Wortham and Claire Cain Miller
Friday, May 13, 2011

provided by The New York Times


There are times when you just have to tell your friends about something -- but not necessarily your Facebook friends.

Just ask Becca Akroyd. When Ms. Akroyd, a 29-year-old lawyer in Sacramento, Calif., wanted to share a picture of her new vegetable garden, she didn't turn to Facebook. Instead she posted it on Path, a service that lets people share pictures, videos and messages with a small group.

"The people I have on my Path are the people who are going to care about the day-to-day random events in my life, or if my dog does something funny," Ms. Akroyd said. "On Facebook, I have colleagues or family members who wouldn't necessarily be interested in those things -- and also that I wouldn't necessarily want to have view those things."

(continue reading article here)

I will be checking out some of the recommended sites this week to see what they are all about. Honestly, I am not too interested in learning anything new or trying to convince my close family and friends to join something new. Most everyone I know uses their FB account in ways to communicate and aren't as excited as I am to try an additional way to stay in touch. I think my emailing is working just fine. I now currently share my pictures (that don't make it on the blog) on Picasa to those that I believe are interested in the candid multiple shots of our kids and happenings in our family.

But, yes, I will see what's involved. I will check it out and see how much more convenient it may be and what hassle is involved. Honestly, I was just shocked to see an article not advertising the success and need for social media.