The discussion about the balance of work and social life is one of the oldest with many suggestions. A recent article in WAtoday brings up these factors and also a new one. Not only are people balancing their work-life, family, and social life, but now they have to balance social media. This aspect includes trying to find the right balance between social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. Researchers from the data tracking company say that 70% of Australian internet users are on social networking sites, up 29% from last year. Data like this has people thinking “What does this mean for the family life and family time?” Some people think that websites like Facebook and Twitter will help the family stay in touch more. While others say social media will never take the place of face-to face contact.
With all this said, being a member on social media networking sites including Facebook and Twitter, I do agree that there is a third dynamic to the old work-life balance relationship having good and bad outcomes. Speaking from personal experience, these websites do a great job helping me stay in touch with friends and family, but it’s nothing like being able to give your mom or spouse a big hug at the end of the day. This just does not compare.
I completely agree with your statement. Social networking is nothing like the traditional family time where you can enjoy eachother's company. Social networking is important especially for the worklife to make it more efficient. An example would be email.
I know a lot of people that spend hours on the computer looking at facebook and myspace and twitter. But those are the people that are also reading all the wall posts and tweets that people send out. So in a way, Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter are a great way to send messages or advertising to a big group of people all at once. So I use my social networking more as a publicity tool than trying to keep in touch with friends or family. That I prefer to do face to face.
Anonymous 2 I agree with you that I use social media as a way to find publicity, but I think that the other people who use it as their primary source of communication with the outside world i.e their family it is not ok. I mean people are losing valuable face time with each other because of these social websites.