It is everywhere and growing. Even the most outspoken critics are crumbling under its weight. Grandkids are buying cheap computers and even iPads for grandma, so she can stay connected through Facebook. I am old enough to remember a time when I thought, “who needs a cell phone?” and refused to get one. Now, everywhere you look, people are responding to email, checking in their location on Facebook, and tweeting what they ordered at the Taco Bell. It has become standard fare to check LinkedIn before calling on a client and to login to Facebook to see the latest about the kids and grandkids.
I have often wondered if you tweet and have no followers, is that like a tree falling in the woods with nobody to hear it? I may not have folks following my tweets, but it has revolutionized the way I get my sports information and updates. I used to watch SportsCenter every night on TV. Now, my TV is rarely on unless my GF and I are watching something streaming from Netflix. I switched to getting my sports to ESPN.com. But even that is too slow these days. You can get live, up to the minute reports, shot by shot, play by play, from those who are there covering games and stories as you follow them on Twitter.
If you can’t beat them, join them. I have decided that I have put it off too long and I am now going to embrace the change. I eased into Facebook to follow my kids, but I have found I enjoy keeping up with my former co-workers and friends. It is easier and less intrusive than calling them, or meeting up with them. I know, I know, it is killing social interaction. But honestly, if I didn’t keep up this way, the social network, I wouldn’t keep up at all. After Facebook I sold my career’s soul to LinkedIn. I am expanding my presence there and adding Twitter and a Blog to boot. There is no turning back.
I have truly been assimilated into the Borg and become a part of the Matrix.
