I knew there was discord in my relationship when I saw my boyfriend’s Facebook profile page.  Under Relationship Status it simply said: “It’s complicated”.  Really?  What exactly does that mean? 

We broke up several months ago, not long after my Internet discovery.  That was not a reason for the break-up; it was merely one of the “symptoms” of the “disease”…

Social Media has elevated our relationships to another level.  It has blurred the lines between business and pleasure, intimacy and friendship.  We have easy access to our friends’ status updates.  Tune in at any hour of the day or night and you can catch up on the daily lives of all your friends.  We know more about each other now than we ever have. 

Last night around 9pm I was still at the office catching up on unfinished business.  I sent one of my Facebook friends an e-mail about a deal we had just put together.  She sent me a response within seconds: 

“What are you doing still working on a Saturday night”, I asked. 

Her response came back promptly:  “Yeah, doesn't say much about my social life does it!!!!” 

“Social life?  What’s that?” I asked.

Maybe Social Media is our way of dealing with our hectic lifestyles filled to the brim with activities, deadlines and overbooked schedules.  The lines are becoming more blurred between “virtual” and “real”, but somehow it all works.  Social Media has been invaluable to me in business.  I don’t think it’s done much for my personal life, but I enjoy catching up with my friends via the Internet.  My time is at a premium and it sure is nice to keep in touch in spite of the long hours spent working. 

I can’t help but wonder how the rest of you view the social media.  Are you active on Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, or Twitter?  How do you feel about the Social Media?  Has it helped you, or hurt you?  Please share your thoughts on this!

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection            Join The Optimist Group!