Idea Management

I have noticed a trend lately (albeit based on a very limited pool) of individuals completely shutting down their Facebook, Twitter, blogs and other accounts. The reason hasn’t been some addictive behaviors they haven’t been able to control. Each instance has been because the user feels a sense of guilt that they don’t post as often as they think they need to.

The defectors are concerned that they’re not living up to their end of the bargain- that their voyeuristic observations of their social network is not being reciprocated. I find it fascinating that rather than just not making updates, they’re completely closing down their accounts. Five people in my own social network have either shut down their account or threatened to do so.

This guilt - to me - seems more prevalent on Twitter than Facebook. I not only see it directly, but also in the tone of many posts that begin with: “Sorry I haven’t posted in a while.” I’ve also noticed this tendency quite often in the blogosphere. This unsolicited and unnecessary apology seems to be an indicator of the sometimes subconscious guilt that users are experiencing with social media. With the timestamped nature of Twitter and other blogs, there is a sense of accountability that accompanies this medium, even if our “audience” is no bigger than our physical social circles.

I’m not quite sure what to make of this guilt. Maybe that motivation and pressure to keep our social networks updated is positive. Or maybe there is enough information floating around that we don’t need to try to conjure up content out of an overdeveloped sense of responsibility.  If you don’t feel like posting updates often or ever, then don’t. Most of those in your network are probably not anxiously awaiting your next post. They’re probably more worried about their next post and what you’re going to think of it.

I think this topic deserves a little more consideration. So to both of those readers of my blog… I’ll keep you posted.