Join Early Retirement Today
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Will Social Networking Last?
Old 05-04-2014, 07:57 AM   #1
Gone but not forgotten
imoldernu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Peru
Posts: 6,335
Will Social Networking Last?

Ten years ago, my daily ration of personal emails was from 10 to 20 ... Today, down to very, very few.

In the mid to late 1970's, on my way to work and back, my CB radio was on permanently... chatting with "online " friends. People I didn't know and many bored truck drivers.
"Staying in Touch" consisted of handwritten letters or occasional expensive long distance telephone calls. Later on in the 1980's and 90's... Chat Rooms.

Fast forward to today. Flooded with information of all kinds, from every conceivable source, it seems that almost everyone, everywhere is connected all the time. I share the grid of information... news, personal interests and entertainment, but do not connect with the explosion of social networks... the person to person Facebook/Twitter type of Social Networking connections.

Instead of a survey, like "Do you use Facebook etc.?" I would really be interested in your answer to the question:

Will Social Networking Last? and will the 13 year old who is literally tied to the world through a smartphone... still be doing that when he/she is 25 years old? ... or will this be something that came and went... with a return to the concept of personal privacy in a limited social structure.

So, not what you do, but what you see as a future for Social Networking... pehaps 10 or 15 years in the future.
imoldernu is offline   Reply With Quote
Join the #1 Early Retirement and Financial Independence Forum Today - It's Totally Free!

Are you planning to be financially independent as early as possible so you can live life on your own terms? Discuss successful investing strategies, asset allocation models, tax strategies and other related topics in our online forum community. Our members range from young folks just starting their journey to financial independence, military retirees and even multimillionaires. No matter where you fit in you'll find that Early-Retirement.org is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with our members, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create a retirement blog, send private messages and so much, much more!

Old 05-04-2014, 08:07 AM   #2
Moderator Emeritus
aja8888's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Conroe, Texas
Posts: 18,642
The computer and internet brought us social networking. I believe it is here to stay since it works so well for so many people.

10 -15 years out? more mobile social networking as that is where the trend is headed. We will have smart phones for a long time since they work so well for so many (younger) people.

On another note my younger sister (65 yrs old) sends me a handwritten letter every 6 months updating her family's changes, etc.
aja8888 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-04-2014, 08:08 AM   #3
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
heeyy_joe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Madeira Beach Fl
Posts: 1,403
A contact lens that does everything your smartphone can do now controlled by eye blinks- social networking is here to stay but will become somewhat invisible.
__________________
_______________________________________________
"A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do" --Bob Dylan.
heeyy_joe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-04-2014, 08:17 AM   #4
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
Midpack's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: NC
Posts: 21,200
Absolutely yes IMO, though I am sure social media will evolve. Privacy and security issues are the obstacles and those will be addressed to suit users. It's not just 13 and 25 year olds who've adopted smartphones (though they're most adept), lots of boomers and all ages have become highly reliant on social media/smartphones - many I know were drawn in just to stay connected to their kids! We've already dropped landlines and rely on being connected anywhere, and we look forward to the day we no longer need wallets, keys, etc.

And many in developing countries have gone directly from no infrastructure to smartphones including social media.
__________________
No one agrees with other people's opinions; they merely agree with their own opinions -- expressed by somebody else. Sydney Tremayne
Retired Jun 2011 at age 57

Target AA: 50% equity funds / 45% bonds / 5% cash
Target WR: Approx 1.5% Approx 20% SI (secure income, SS only)
Midpack is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-04-2014, 08:49 AM   #5
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Major Tom's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SF East Bay
Posts: 4,323
I too think that not only will our connectivity increase, but that our interface to that network will evolve and become more sophisticated. It may develop to the point where we are barely aware of it.

I'm a bit of a luddite in that my main connections to the outside world are through a landline and a desktop computer (no mobile device here) but I have no doubt that our communication devices will become more advanced. I don't think speculation about implanted devices is that far-fetched at all.
__________________
Contentedly ER, with 3 furry friends (now, sadly, 1).
Planning my escape to the wide open spaces in my campervan (with my remaining kitty, of course!)
On a mission to become the world's second most boring man.

Major Tom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-04-2014, 09:20 AM   #6
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
Amethyst's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 12,596
My experience is that as we age, we have trouble putting things down and forgetting where we left them. To stay connected, we'll need to give up the hand-held and worn-on-the-body devices in favor of something implanted.

Amethyst
__________________
If you understood everything I say, you'd be me ~ Miles Davis
'There is only one success – to be able to spend your life in your own way.’ Christopher Morley.
Even a blind clock finds an acorn twice a day.
Amethyst is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-04-2014, 11:00 AM   #7
Moderator
braumeister's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Flyover country
Posts: 25,198
Considering how technology has updated (I won't say "improved") social networking since the days of party-line telephones, I'm quite sure it's here to stay, but we certainly are clueless about what it will look like ten years from now.
braumeister is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-04-2014, 07:05 PM   #8
Moderator
Walt34's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Eastern WV Panhandle
Posts: 25,299
Quote:
Originally Posted by braumeister View Post
Considering how technology has updated (I won't say "improved") social networking since the days of party-line telephones, I'm quite sure it's here to stay, but we certainly are clueless about what it will look like ten years from now.
Exactly. There has always been "social media" even if it was the ladies gathering at the community well while the guys were out slaying dinner.

But it sure is going to look different!
__________________
When I was a kid I wanted to be older. This is not what I expected.
Walt34 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-05-2014, 07:09 AM   #9
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Tadpole's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,428
From conception and thru eternity.
Tadpole is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-05-2014, 07:43 AM   #10
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
kcowan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Pacific latitude 20/49
Posts: 7,677
Send a message via Skype™ to kcowan
I am always surprised when the incumbent technology providers miss the next revolution. With the exception of Apple, Blackberry, Palm, HP, Lenovo et al totally missed the current incarnation.

It seems silly for everyone to carry the technology needed. Whoever invents the next generation is in for a helluva ride!
__________________
For the fun of it...Keith
kcowan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-05-2014, 08:05 AM   #11
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
growing_older's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,657
Sadly, yes. And likely to get even more intrusive. I'm already baffled by how many people want to live their lives in a semi-public eye, broadcasting their location, likes, browsing and buying habits to their friends and acquaintances. With the coming advent of wearable technology, this will likely continue or accelerate.

I don't need, or even want, my soccer friends to know all about my kids schools, or my work colleagues to know all about my non-work graduate classes. But other people seem to want to broadcast their everyday location, in case anyone they know is nearby, or in case a store wants to give them a coupon, as well as tell everyone their everyday actions. I expect I will reluctantly be swept along, resisting all the way.
growing_older is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-05-2014, 08:11 AM   #12
Recycles dryer sheets
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Lafayette
Posts: 268
Quote:
Originally Posted by growing_older View Post
Sadly, yes. And likely to get even more intrusive. I'm already baffled by how many people want to live their lives in a semi-public eye, broadcasting their location, likes, browsing and buying habits to their friends and acquaintances. With the coming advent of wearable technology, this will likely continue or accelerate.

I don't need, or even want, my soccer friends to know all about my kids schools, or my work colleagues to know all about my non-work graduate classes. But other people seem to want to broadcast their everyday location, in case anyone they know is nearby, or in case a store wants to give them a coupon, as well as tell everyone their everyday actions. I expect I will reluctantly be swept along, resisting all the way.
+1

IMHO, "social media" is a misnomer. To me, it's just another form of broadcast media, only this time it's individuals broadcasting their locations, meals, photos, etc.
A true social interaction would be a two-way conversation, ongoing and in-depth.
And don't forget, all those so-called social media sites are in the business of selling advertising, pure and simple.
But I guess they'll stay around in some form, cuz enough people will put up with being bombarded with advertising, just so they can broadcast stuff about themselves.
gardenfun is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-05-2014, 08:45 AM   #13
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Lawn chair in Texas
Posts: 14,183
I post stuff like bike ride mileage, or maybe a concert pic, but usually don't include location, and may not post in real time. But I don't post every little insignificant utterance or move I make. Don't need to share that, and it's doubtful anyone cares...
__________________
Have Funds, Will Retire

...not doing anything of true substance...
HFWR is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-07-2014, 07:08 PM   #14
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
BigMoneyJim's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Nomadic in the Rockies
Posts: 2,720
When I was a kid, social networking was a teen tying up the only phone line in the house or bicycling around the neighborhood. Or I guess for the adults it was sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch, having tea parties, or hanging out at a bar or barber shop. The only thing that's changed is the speed and the options.

There were always people telling others inane things; it's just a lot easier to reach a wider audience now if you want.

I don't try very hard, but I have regular contact with people in other countries. I think eventually it will make wars harder to fight because you can identify with people in the places your country wants to bomb.

Wow, I kind of ran off the rails there.
BigMoneyJim is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-08-2014, 06:17 AM   #15
Recycles dryer sheets
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: World Citizen
Posts: 150
Seems to me to actually be an anti social networking future. Are we afraid to face to face? I do like that it makes connecting with like minded souls easier. Tho... If i were still primarly face to facing, i could get more divergent ideas.
Helios is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-08-2014, 06:29 AM   #16
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
audreyh1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Rio Grande Valley
Posts: 38,001
Forgot to say we use it to broadcast our butterfly yard list. LOL!

And that's as personal as we get!
__________________
Retired since summer 1999.
audreyh1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-08-2014, 07:43 AM   #17
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
kcowan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Pacific latitude 20/49
Posts: 7,677
Send a message via Skype™ to kcowan
I think people that broadcast what they are having/cooking for dinner are just bored. Sometimes people post just to brag about their exploits.
__________________
For the fun of it...Keith
kcowan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-08-2014, 07:57 AM   #18
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
steelyman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: NC Triangle
Posts: 5,807
Quote:
Originally Posted by kcowan View Post
I think people that broadcast what they are having/cooking for dinner are just bored. Sometimes people post just to brag about their exploits.

I like reading about any recipe that involves shooting limb chickens in the head.

I'm slowly transferring my recipes to Evernote and they always start with that. It's athletic!
__________________

steelyman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-08-2014, 08:12 AM   #19
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Major Tom's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SF East Bay
Posts: 4,323
Quote:
Originally Posted by kcowan View Post
I think people that broadcast what they are having/cooking for dinner are just bored. Sometimes people post just to brag about their exploits.
Whenever I start thinking about the inanity of many FB posts, I remind myself that much casual social interaction between friends in real life isn't exactly high-level discourse either. However, the real life stuff is ephemeral - once you say something, it floats off into the wind. Something about putting all this stuff down permanently in text and pictures seems to highlight the very casual nature of much trivial conversation, at times making it seem comic and banal.
__________________
Contentedly ER, with 3 furry friends (now, sadly, 1).
Planning my escape to the wide open spaces in my campervan (with my remaining kitty, of course!)
On a mission to become the world's second most boring man.

Major Tom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-08-2014, 10:02 AM   #20
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
martyp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Thailand countryside, Sisaket province
Posts: 1,331
I think most people would be shocked if they heard a recording of their own daily conversations. Most of what they would hear would be trivial chit chat about their kid's soccer game, where they went for dinner, the weather, etc. They might even pull out a snapshot of their last vacation. What social media has revealed is that this type of chit chat is just as effective and trivial on-line as it is face-to-face. While trivial in content it is still useful as a social lubricant.

Social media is as public or private as you want it to be. It is not much different than choosing to whisper to the person next to you or shout out the joke or insult to everyone around you. An you can choose to listen or not. And sometimes you can't avoid whatever is being hurled at you.

When I was at w*rk we had to consider what was appropriate to say in an email vs using the phone or talking face-to-face. It's about choosing what to say and how to say it in each context. Social media is neither good or bad. It is just another tool of communication. Tools sometimes require some amount of skill to use them effectively and sometimes there is a leaning curve and sometimes we just resist learning new things and just want to do it the "old way".

I do worry about the younger generation being drawn first to social media and missing out leaning face-to-face skills early in life. Teamwork was important in my business and I could see poor social interactions skills as being a negative. However, I think over time they will learn these skills too to be used when necessary. Our generation could benefit from keeping up with technology to be used at the proper time and context.
__________________
Happy, Wild, and Free
martyp is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Social Networking? How Much? Where? imoldernu Other topics 18 02-19-2013 07:52 AM
Social networking for your bucket list... and afterward Nords Life after FIRE 0 03-31-2012 11:32 PM
Eons---And Other Social Networking Sites tangomonster Other topics 5 05-16-2008 03:50 PM
Networking xmanz3 Other topics 28 10-08-2007 07:20 PM
See @ Last, See @ Last, Thank God I Can See @ Last Beachbumz Other topics 24 02-18-2005 07:16 PM

» Quick Links

 
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:05 AM.
 
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.