Let’s talk a bit about social media in the book community. I shared before -not sure in which post- that I have grown distant from Twitter, but I’m all in with bookstagram. But it wasn’t always this way. For almost three years, from 2014 to 2017, Twitter was the platform I used to most to interact with other bookworms. If I took a break from blogging, I did it, but I never took breaks from Twitter because I felt that I would just disappear and fall so out of the loop that everyone would forget about me.
So now that I have unconsciously stepped away from Twitter, and I have certainly not died from it, I’m starting to wonder if it’s really that big of a deal after all. I wrote a similar post about Instagram, but in this case we’re focusing on Twitter, since in my opinion, once it was perceived as just near mandatory to be active on twitter if you’re a blogger.
Social media is kind of great
First, let’s talk about the pros. The best thing about social media is that is a quick way of staying in touch with the community. Commenting on a social media post tends to be easier than commenting on a blog, and that’s just the truth.
Also, sometimes in our blogs we only show a limited side of ourselves, mainly related to books if we’re talking book blogging. But in social media we can talk about anything, specially if we refer to Twitter. Instagram is a bit trickier because then we have to talk about having a theme and that sort of thing. Twitter is more flexible, and has been around longer.
But it can also be exhausting
The phrase, ‘taking a Twitter break’ is quite well-known, and for a reason. Twitter can be emotionally draining. It’s very fast-paced and there always seem to be something happening so you’re compelled to check the app every few minutes to stay on top of things.
I really don’t know why or when exactly I distanced myself from twitter. I just… I think I’m happy with being more relaxed, even if sometimes some author news might escape me. I follow a ton of authors on Twitter, but not as many on Instagram so that’s why I might miss some stuff.
[divider]
How do you keep up with the community?
Do you prefer blogs, twitter, Instagram, or something else?
I know that a lot of bloggers are on Twitter, but I don’t think it’s necessarily essential. I’d say, use the tools that work for you and don’t stress if you need to step away for a while.
I understand you! I’ve been inactive on Twitter for quite a time, mostly because of irl stuff, but at the same time I noticed how it was okay.
Yeah, it may have a bit killed the traffick on my blog but I rarely interacted with people on there. It just happen that I’ve not a lot to say. Or actually people get really rude there or just act a bit… nervous. For saying it in a sweet way. But this a big discourse that need more explenations.
I’m still learning how to move around it even after years of being there but moving out of it can be actually quite good, because it’s a draining social media. I learned a lot but also stressed me out XD
I get what you’re saying. My blog may have taken a hit too, but in the end, it may have turned out to be the best choice to make anyway! It’s important to look after ourselves first.
I’ve been toying with the idea of joining Twitter for so long now, especially because everyone keeps telling me to do it, but I feel like I already have my hands full with blogging, recently starting a bookstagram, and Goodreads? And like you said, it gives off a strong emotionally draining vibe, and I’m not sure I’d be able to keep up with it.
And commenting on blogs definitely seems like much more effort, as opposed to commenting on Instagram i.e., for some reason? I don’t know if that’s just in my head sometimes, haha.
Wonderful post, Pamela! <3 🙂
I don’t think it’s just in your head XD But yeah, maybe you should join and then take it slow if you’re really interested in it. But for now, following the right people on IG keeps me posted about most things 🙂