I don’t know about you, but I am starting to feel like a man with many wives when it comes to social media. What started out as an innocent bout of social media dating has quickly turned into a full blown affair.
At first I thought it would be a simple case of the grass being greener on the other side of the social media fence. However, it didn’t take long for me to realize that I thoroughly enjoyed making out with Google Plus.
My Infatuation with Google Plus
Ok, so infatuation is probably a bit overstated here – but what I will say is that my relationship with Google Plus is becoming quite steady. Like any person in a relationship, I check in multiple times a day and keep a tight account for the activities that go on throughout the day.
That being said, I have to admit that I’m simply drawn to the visual appeal of Google Plus much more than Facebook. I’m a minimalist and like things simple.
Now let’s talk about being this Facebook thing, which reminds me of what happens when celebrities wear too much makeup.
A Rock and a Hard Place
So here’s the deal – as much as I like Google Plus, I’m still stuck with Facebook.
Why?
Because unfortunately Facebook was here first, and sunk it’s nasty claws into me early on and I feel there is no way out. (Back in my college days we called this sort of thing having beer googles.)
I committed to Facebook a long time ago, so I really can’t walk out the door cold turkey. I feel like I’m in a bad marriage. The kind of situation you settle for too early, before you’ve had a chance to date around.
Polygamy is the Only Solution
The funny thing is – I haven’t even talked about the relationship I have with Twitter. Smooth as silk. No complaints. Love the interface, how it moves, the way it smells.
And have I mentioned that I also have wandering eyes when it comes to social media? I’ve recently been seen walking around town with Instagram – so the rumors of that torrid love affair are completely spot on.
What can I say? I love me some social media, and really can’t come to a rational conclusion when it comes to making a decision. I’m actively involved in a number of social media relationships – and I’m ok with that.
Have You Looked in the Mirror?
So take a long hard look in the mirror of your social media life and tell me what you see. Are you performing social media polygamy too?
I’d be willing to bet that most (if not all) of you are doing the same thing I am and living many lives. So fess up – is it Facebook, Google Plus, Twitter?
Which one, er, rather how many social media relationships are you currently in? Discuss in the comments below…
And yes…
I am well aware that the image I choose to use for this post is showing 3 male lions and one female lion. So from a gender standpoint the depiction isn’t quite accurate.
But cut me some slack – will ya? You don’t have much to choose from when you search royalty-free images for animals + polygamy…
I understand the feeling! I feel stuck with Facebook and even as they introduce new features, I’m drawn to the simplicity and ease of using Google+. I love that I can wear all my hats on G+ by sharing with specific circles instead of managing multiple Twitter handles or Facebook Pages.
But I’m not abandoning Facebook. How could you with the # of users there? People might be shifting to G+, but there will be a big chunk of Facebook’s 750M users who don’t. (I’m specifically thinking of my Mom and other older clients who finally feel they’ve mastered Facebook and won’t be willing to learn G+ and leave Facebook behind.)
As for Twitter? It’s so different from G+ and Facebook. It serves a different purpose for me…and I’m not leaving it behind either.
I guess I’ll have to be a social media polygamist, too!
Admitting the problem is always step #1 – props to you Lindsay on that!
I agree that Twitter is somewhat different than Facebook and Google Plus – I use Twitter for so much more than I do those two.
Ha, I like the Big Love thing going on here.
Dont’cha? I hate to admit this, but the other day I was thinking about this whole marriage/social media thing in the shower.
This morning, the headline clicked.
What’s worse, Facebook isn’t even trying to get it right. She’s just given up.
http://techcrunch.com/2011/09/19/facebooks-new-buttons/
Oh boy – interesting read Seth, thanks for sharing. Can’t wait.
Read. Watch. Listen.
This is what scares me:
Believe it or not, I have become more fond of Twitter since the launch of Google +. I don’t get this “If I post it here, I also have to post it there” feeling I get when dealing with Facebook and/or Google +.
And to be honest, I just use Facebook to talk to my distant GF now. Google +, I still can’t find how to implement it into my day-to-day life. Very rarely I take the time to log in and use it.
Now Twitter, especially with the help of outside Apps, has become my social media home.
Great interesting post.
The topic of social media is one that comes up a lot and rightly so. It has become a major part of millions of people lives over the past few years and has changed the way we communicate. The debate about social media polygamy will rumble on with ever new pretender to the crown appearing and every major update from the existing characters entering the fold.
It is totally true that the reason people cant give up Facebook is because it was here first and started our love affair. Although it may not be the prettiest or newest and is constantly trying to please all the people and all of the time, and possible not achieving it, simply due to the vast amount of users and the fact is was our first love, its difficult to see anyone surpassing Facebook.
What a torrid tale of love gone horribly wrong. I’ve felt much the same way, and have also gone this route. My commitment to Facebook is only due to her sheer size (I love me a big network) and potential to earn money (I ain’t sayin’ she a gold digger). As someone who helps businesses build fan pages I’m kind of stuck there too (for now). In any case, I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the post and thank you for making me smile and think.
Hey Mike – thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment. I love your subtle analogies, and think they are spot on. If your clients are requesting Facebook fan pages, then yes – you no doubt are stuck in a War of the Roses for some time.
Facebook won’t be going away anytime soon, but Google + is here to stay. I love the potential of it. I love that I can keep everything in one place and yet separate it as well. I can have personal circles, and business circles. I love that!
And I am very excited about the Huddle feature. There is some incredible potential with that.
But that brings me to Twitter. I still love it. I love the quick and dirty info you can get from it. To me, twitter is a great companion to the other two.
You better be careful or you’ll become just another social media whore.
I’m totally married to Twitter. I have an on again off again affair with Facebook. And Google so far is just a day dreaming fascination that I feel obligated to visit.
I’m kind of tired of bells and whistles.
That’s why I love Google Plus so much – so few bells and whistles, no Farmville and annoying adverts all over the place.
Me, I’m still playing the field and weighing my options. So far, Twitter’s not doing it for me, so I’m kinda sticking to the old and familiar facebook, although his appeal is starting to fade away. I find the new man in town, G+, intimidating, but he might win me over yet.
Great post!
I only use twitter. It’s enough. Efficient. Fast. Simple. Fitting my needs. And for everything else I have my own website/blog and emails. I just don’t see a need for facebook or Google Plus (I quit facebook in 2009 and don’t regret it a single second until today — it’s so easy to quit, don’t worry folks
).
I am a social media polygamist. I spend so much time checking my g+, twitter and (begrudgingly) facebook, that my wife may start getting suspicious.
Is it cheating to be in love with my wife and social media at the same time?
Heh, if it is that I’m being unfaithful too.
Haha I luv your title buddy “Social Media Polygamist”, yes Im and im sure everyone here IS
using facebook, google plus, twitter, and too many to name. One does not fulfill your appetite
Google plus is pretty good, more honest than showing off on Facebook.