How accurate are the perceptions people have of your personal characteristics based on how connected you are in a social network?

According to some recent research, “If you have too few “friends” on Facebook, people might think you’re a loser. Too many and people might think you’re a social slut.”

A recipe for anxiety?

What assumptions, if any, do you make of people that have 500+ friends on Facebook/LinkedIn? I have “only” 329 Facebook friends and already find it extremely difficult stay on top of the avalanche of status updates, photos, links and invitations. In fact, I’ve stopped trying. I no longer allow myself to get stressed out when I can’t. I no long feel like I’m missing part of the “conversation”.

Mobile Hell

When is the last time that you examined your surroundings, stared into space, or let your mind wander? We now live in a world where most people are ‘always on’, always connected, wherever they go. Unfortunately, disconnecting yourself from technology often means total disconnection since almost everyone else is “always on”.

My Solution

I’ve started scheduling “online” time. During this predefined block of time, I can do whatever I need to online. Whenever I run out of time, I’m done – I turn off the wireless internet. Also, my mobile phone in Spain does not have internet. This has effectively cut off my compulsive desire to check facebook, twitter and email while away from my main computer. In doing so, I’ve freed up a significant  time while allowing me to get more work completed. (Side note: I’m  still uncertain if I’ll get a phone without internet when I arrive in Sydney)

The biggest slut of all?

The irony is that I’m on facebook, twitter, and linkedin, along with email and this blog. Knowing I’m on 3 when there are over 50 soical media websites makes me feel a little less like a social media slut. Just a little.