Stress in Social Media?

Hello everyone,

I read a very intriguing article today that stated that doctors were starting to see stress symptoms caused by people trying to keep up with Facebook, Twitter, etc.  These people felt compelled to keep their statuses updated, pictures uploaded, etc., etc.  When they fell behind, they felt like failures.

In looking back over my fairly short history with social media (just a couple of years at most), I did see where there were times when I felt like needed to add "something" to Facebook or Twitter – otherwise it seemed like I was just sitting stagnant somewhere.  There is, to me, sometimes a huge obligatory feel to catching up on Facebook.

But doesn't this kind of go against the whole idea of social media?  Weren't we supposed to be on Facebook to have fun, catch up with one another, find old friends, reach out to those we love and care about?  Was it ever supposed to be a chore?

I had read quite some time ago about some people thinking that the verb "friending" someone on Facebook demeaned the whole idea of a friend…. that it took away from the very word "friend."

Obviously, as an online business owner, I do feel that I should be on Facebook, not just for family and friends, but because I believe that it offers potential customers of Spellmaker another way to get to know me.  Most of you who do know me, already know that I am big on having customers get to know us. I feel it is important for them to know who they will be not only giving their money to, but who are they entrusting with fragile things such as their love life!  I have always been a big believer in telling pretty much all my personal business to my customers.  LOL.  That has been sometimes a bone of contention with certain family members, but I figure if you are entrusting me with your personal information, turnabout is fair play.

However, on a personal level, how do you feel about social media such as Facebook?  Do you ever feel stressed about it?  Do you feel that it is something you MUST keep up with or do you just want to keep up with it?

One of my  Spellmaker Novitiates recently mentioned in one of her posts about evil Facebook and stalking people on there!  LOL – that is worthy of a whole 'nuther post, but first I would like to get your opinion on social media in general! 

Love, light, and peace,
Mambo Samantha Corfield
www.spellmaker.com