Who Is The Walmart Of Social Media and Where Is Saks?

Rumors are brewing about the direction of Google+ and longevity of the social platform, while praises of Facebook success are running wild. Mark Zuckerberg wanted to create something epic, and he did. What the social media giant (Facebook) has transformed into far exceeded initial expectations. The question all social platforms are asking, what is next and where is the social web really headed?

If you think about social media, what is social about it? You are plugged in via a mobile device or computer and zoned out in a world of tiny profile pics, quotes and whose who of friends, colleagues, family – along with 1 million of your closest high school and college buddies. There is not actual conversation happening here, or is there? Are you getting valuable one on one time with people that actually care? (I am not talking about your grandmother, mother, or best friend.) Why are we sucked in to this online world to the point some would call it an excessive addiction?

Let’s call it what it is – it is an escape. Yes the digital world is bursting with opportunities, however there is a lack of human experience with social media. Friend requests, shares, likes, follows, tweets, + 1’s, and more offer some sort of comforting feeling that you have a voice in this world. Online you can be anyone. It is an imaginary, yet real world that allows us to dream, complain or manipulate how people think.

Social media posts are a dime a dozen. You know you have all seen the posts touting, my kid is this, my spouse is this, or did I tell you I just went to the moon and back and now I need your help to raise funds for my charity. Did anyone ever ask what you care about on social media? You choose your friends, who you follow and what you like, however what do you do when you get tired and worn out. You turn it off for a day, maybe two, and then you get sucked right back in.

It is as if social networks offer a dose of the daily good, bad & ugly soap opera. The exact thing we rolled our eyes at in our youth while our mothers sat glued to The Young & The Restless and Days of Our Lives. I will admit, some of the best, most up to date news and information come from social networks. I am not against social networks, I’m just waiting for the Saks Fifth Avenue of social to show up. A place where I am greeted and made to feel special.

Don’t tell me you don’t have any friends that are complaining about something or over posting how their once in a lifetime program is your saving grace. Sign up today for $19.95 and we promise to change your life, coach you to lose the weight or help you make an additional $1000 per month. Would that change your life? Raise your hand if these outbursts are constantly showing up in your news feed.

It is not social if it is one sided, and it is especially not social if you don’t even recognize the person you have connected with online when you meet face to face. Translation, you meet someone for coffee and can’t recognize them from their online portfolio. Social means connection. I am not convinced all of these platforms are providing real connections. Ask yourself this question, how is this online relationship benefiting me? Is it sucking the life out of me, or do I enjoy catching up?

Facebook is fun for families and friends, gaining momentum in the 35+ age group, while rapidly losing the younger audience. Teens don’t want to be hanging out online with their parents and their parents best friends. So where do they go? Twitter? Instagram? SnapChat? Google+ has been dubbed “techy” and SEO worthy, while Twitter is media centric. Instagram is popular, because it is all photo based. Photos are quick easy and tell the story without the user having to read.

The question posed is where is the social world going? In my opinion it will become more diverse. As it grows as a communication tool, it will also grow as a saga. There is no doubt that the social networks have captured all of us in someway. There is no way to get rid of the negative on free platforms. Consumers must be willing to take the good with the bad. They will complain of advertisements in their newsfeeds, and nothing will change. It is as if current social media networks are the status quo. There are companies in silicon valley trying to be the next Facebook, and I am not sure they will succeed. Emulating something that is turning into the 2006 version of Myspace is more than an attainable goal. The problem is, it’s not social and not an experience. Consumers are demanding more and doing their research before buying in. Becoming the next Facebook is not the answer.

Connection and informative sites will start drawing users away from major social networks. My kid will always be better than your kid will remain a great topic of debate and businesses will continue to muddle through to find a way from the background to the front lines on free social networks. Trends will see users getting involved in micro-sites that are dedicated to specific interests and specific goals. Facebook has many of us on the hook, however, in my opinion, it is becoming the Walmart of the the Networks.

How do all the social networks stack up?

Facebook: Walmart.. the kids are screaming through the aisles

Google+: Staples.. theres a little bit of everything

Instagram: Dillards… there is something for everyone

LinkedIn: Banana Republic… there is a sense of polished and high end

SnapChat: Urban Outfitters.. it’s hipster

Vine: Target.. It’s diverse and has styletude (Style & attitude)

Twitter: Grocery Store- Fast. Fresh. Convenient.

Pinterest: Michaels- There is fashion, DIY, cooking and crafts

Facebook may have the marketshare today. However, there is social change brewing in the background – it’s your choice to become mediocre, or become extraordinary.