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How to avoid being sucked into the social siphon.

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Richard Weisser Realty

How to avoid being sucked into the social siphon by Richard WeisserI’m not the first one to observe that social media is a drain on our time and resources.

After all, many writers have lamented the demise of genuine social intercourse and touted social media as nothing more than advertising-interrupted banality.

I don’t care if you are taking a bathroom break. I really don’t need to know that you bought new shoes today. And I surely don’t want to learn of the death of a beloved relation or friend with an RIP posting.

Hopefully, when it’s my time I will be able to rest in peace.

That is, unless somebody decides to keep my online self alive and kicking and posting from the other side.

The vortex is drawing us ever closer. The event horizon looms perilously close ahead. Beyond that there is no return.

How do you avoid being sucked into the social siphon?

Talk to a real live person face to face for just one hour. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by any electronic interloper. Eschew the virtual and embrace the real.

Once you can do it for an hour then try it for two. No cold turkey here, we must retrain ourselves to become human again. We must strive for longer intervals between our social fixes.

It won’t be easy. There will be relapses.

 

But we need to wean ourselves from the social teat and go back out on our own. 

Comments (7)

Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Richard,

We are on the same path...I refused to join in when it was beginning.  I like face  to face, I like hearing laughter rather than reading LOL.  And now the final nail is in the coffin for us, especially after hearing that Facebook was conducting psychological experiences on 600,000 of its subscribers (Wall Street Journal).  Did they ask permission? Heck no, they are the big dudes!

Happy Tuesday, A

Jul 01, 2014 02:50 AM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

I realized this morning I was losing the battle... I checked Facebook before I read my newspaper. Why?  Five years ago I was better off!

Jul 01, 2014 02:53 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Richard I've been taking a break for weeks as it's just been so busy I couldn't possibly do any more online. AR is where I spend my time...the rest happens if and when possible and I'm at the point that I'm questioning the value of continuing other platforms. And yes I did hear about the crazy experiment that FB pulled. Seriously who puts up with that stuff?  I don't and I don't care either. Local business isn't necessarily looking for me online. They hear from me in person.

Jul 01, 2014 08:11 AM
Sussie Sutton
David Tracy Real Estate - Houston, TX
David Tracy Real Estate for Buyers & Sellers

I love sitting around with old and new friends just to talk and communicate. I love this more than posting and commenting. I will never be able to sit with a cup of coffee with some of the great Realtors I have met here on AR.... but I'd love to.

Jul 01, 2014 12:54 PM
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Richard, Certainly pros and cons of the medium.  I more often find out news on FB quicker than I do from the news portals.

Jul 01, 2014 01:19 PM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I don't do face book.  My relatives know that if they have something to say that is important then call.   I have missed out on 'Graduations and even a wedding because it was not important enough to send and invite or at least call.  

Jul 01, 2014 01:31 PM
Charles Stallions
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services - Pensacola, FL
850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.

Resist if you must but it is the norm I am afraid the youth think is the way to stay nonconfrontational and can tell you what they think without repurcusions 

Jul 09, 2014 12:20 PM