Social network "pause" button Sep01 '08

Would you utilize a social network "pause" button? It sounds practical in today's world of information overload.

The problem with social networks is it's all or none. When you follow someone, you follow everything they say - all of their activity. And let's face it, some people are more actively involved than others. I would consider myself in that category of being more actively involved.

We all have our "moments" where we basically invite others to unfollow us through too frequent updating or lack of inspirational posts.

So a "pause" button might make sense. You could turn off, or "mute" certain individuals from time-to-time. Then, when you've starting longing for their updates again, it's easy to turn them back on.

Not sure I like it

Another part of me doesn't like the idea at all. It fosters "fake" relationships and deceives users. If someone is going to unfollow you, putting you on "pause" is just delaying the inevitable.

"Hey, I know you've been trying to connect with me lately, but truthfully, I haven't been following your updates. You've been on pause the whole time."

To one user, it appears as if they made a new contact. In truth, the other user was not really interested in connecting.

You'd have to ask yourself, "Why am I putting this person on pause?" It's probably best to just unfollow them. If I long for them in the future, I can always find them again.

Also, knowing that the pause option exists, I'd be less inclined to connect with new followers (especially ones I followed first), because of the possibility that I may already be on pause to them.

It's kinda like, "Yeah, I see you. But I don't care to listen to you."

Already exists?

In most social networks, this type of thing already exists. Usually you can choose to receive notifications or device updates on an individual basis.

This type of granular control is already out there. And in most cases, it's enough to essentially "mute" a person, without unfollowing them.

Overall

In the end, it's best to accept the truth. Be an adult and learn to understand that everyone is different, and just because they unfollowed you, it doesn't mean they hate you, or think you are the most annoying person in the world.

People often look for themselves in social networks, that is - people like them. If you don't fit that mold for someone else, that's OK.

I often follow certain people in one social network, but not another. I tend to follow them in the network that highlights their strengths the most.

Spend your time making connections with the people that do follow you, and stop worrying about those that don't follow you. It's a complete waste of your energy.

Categories: Communication , People , Social Networks

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matthom is published and produced by Matt Thommes - an independent publishing enthusiast, mobile blogger, content creator, informative writer, web developer from Chicago. Never one to conform, Matt intends to promote the effect the web has on our lives, in an effort to intensify, instruct, and clarify all that is happening around us.

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