Social Media has become a huge part of many people’s lives. When I first started at Agile I used social media passively and never really stopped to think about its inherent power. Here are some of the things I have come to realize since I started here over 2 years ago…
- Digital technologies have allowed us to connect at increasing speeds, across geographic boundaries, and with many more people than possible ever before in history.
- Answers are always at your fingers tips, just a ‘Google’ away, and instantly sharable to all your social networks
- People desire connection – be it physical interaction or digital
- People are generally self-absorbed, and social media has created a space where this is acceptable and celebrated.
- People want to feel heard whether anyone is really listening or not
- Social media is a place where people not only connect with other people, but with all interests of their lives. From brands, other professionals, celebrities, thought leaders, bands, TV shows, even complete strangers.
- Content is all about interest and value to the consumer, whether it comes from a friend or from a brand
- Sharing has a new definition that doesn’t fit what we were taught when we were younger. It’s about sharing information (and essentially your life) openly not just your toys – and people do it excessively now to feel connected and engaged with others.
A prime example I have noticed lately is how much I know about people I used to know. I ran into a friend at the Eaton’s Center in Toronto who I hadn’t seen in 6 years. She knew everything that I had been up to, congratulating me on my recent wedding and house purchase. She casually said “I follow you on Facebook” when I looked shocked. This is the new voyeuristic face of relationships, and we are all guilty of it. I know about all my ‘friends’ from high school, who’s pregnant, who’s getting married, who broke up with who, who’s travelling the world, or who’s landed a new job – but have not had a real discussion with any of them in years. It’s not that I snoop around, but you seem to pass through so much information from a simple Facebook news feed, Twitter stream, or location based check-in it is impossible not to learn things.
I don’t think it’s a bad thing. People often talk about how true relationships and social connections are breaking down, but I think it is just a change in the way we socialize, a change we have seen time and time again in history. Think about the ability to share information before Morse code, the printing press, the telephone, the mobile phone… each step allows us to do more, quicker. This is the next step, and not the last.
It’s just an addition to the various levels of connection. We will always have our family, and our close friends, but now we have these extended networks too. It’s a different relationship, but no less valid.
The last few years have been an unbelievable journey, where I have learned and connected with so many people both in person and online. I will be leaving Agile to pursue new adventures, and as sad it is to say goodbye to coworkers, clients, and bosses I have loved to work with these last years, I know it’s not really goodbye. I will always stay connected with the people, the firm, and the clients on many levels both in person and digitally. Social media lets you stay connected no matter where life takes you, I think no matter how you look at that, it’s a good thing.
