Monday, October 20, 2008

Are more people jumping into the Social Media Boat? Are these tools becoming mainstream?

So, lets face it.
It is almost November, and I've had a lot of time to think... It has been two months and I'm still unemployed. But, I'm not discouraged, and instead, I just (jokingly) refer to myself as a housewife - A housewife who is 22, runs errands, decorates her apartment, reads blogs, plays online and on facebook... A LOT.

I know that I love the digital space. I know that I love SMM. So, what do I have to say? What have I been thinking about? What trends have I seen from those around me?

Everyone is finally jumping in!
Remember last year, when people thought I was crazy for being on Twitter? When they didn't even realize that Perez was a blog? Well, I'm happy to say that life is really changing..

Everyday I have more and more friends on Twitter. And I don't mean fake friends that I have never met. I mean real friends. Friends that I have real FB pictures with. My friend and peers are finally not only just registering with the site, but really, truly, using it. Of course, we all know that a lot of businesses are on Twitter, and it truly is exciting and engaging for me as an active consumer. But, what is more important than shopping (especially in this economy)?? My friends! I love knowing about my friend's whereabout, thoughts and cool links!

I am guilty.
I am guilty of responding to facebook status updates. It's fun. It's geeky. And let's face it, if were gonna stalk, let's be honest about it! So yes, I still love facebook, and I don't think its going anywhere. My friends on FB are really using their status updates. Hourly! Sure, everyone freaked out when they made the new facebook, but no one I know has boycotted! Instead, my friends (yes, my real friends) are attacking and using facebook like never before.

Speaking of "like never before," my friends are also blogging and it is very exciting.
One of my good friends, Ryan, has been blogging for a few months about his experience abroad in China. He uploads pictures and continues to share his experiences exploring, eating and enjoying his time abroad. I love when a new post from ShangHais and Lows, his very clever title, shows up in my RSS feed. Also, I know that Ryan's family and friends (especially his mother!) are obsessed with his blog, and perhaps his new blog is inspiring these people to think twice about this new medium.

So, recent grads / college students, are we using social media to stay in touch with friends, make new ones, or for professional reasons?

I think that we are really taking the leap into the digital landscape like never before!
Lets keep it up!