How Has Social Media Changed Us?

Without question, Social Media has had a profound impact on the concept of a "personal brand". Our lives become increasingly more public, as we all share information on a variety of networks. This transition hit us like a truck-- first it was "the kids" spending time on Friendster, Myspace, and then Facebook . Now, over 78% of the U.S. population has a social network profile. This behavioral shift has reverberating effects-- not just in how we spend our time, but in how we feel about ourselves. In speaking to hundreds of women leaders on my podcast, All the Social Ladies, I've seen this time and time again. I thought it was time to share some of their perspectives-- and so, I asked them: How do you think social media has changed you? Do you think that others having more access to information about you has made you more confident? Less? Do you find yourself changing how and what you say based on the fact that you know things are so readily shared? 

I loved the story that Lynne Jarman Johnson, the CMO of Consumer's Credit Union, relayed to me about the impact that embracing social media has had on her everyday life. "I've always been an open book", Johnson said. "But social media cracks the binding way open. If you think people are not watching what you do, I'll give you an example. There was a man who 'introduced' himself over a gas pump to my husband. 'Hey (spoke my husband's first name like they were best pals), I know Lynne!' My husband asked how he knew me. The stranger's response? 'Oh, I've never met her, or you. I just follow Lynne on Facebook-- so I feel like I know you.' This scenario reminded me that what you post stays with you forever."  Johnson uses the hashtag #SimplyBeKind as a reminder to be kind both online and off-- and she attributes social media to keeping her and others accountable to subscribing to that mantra. "You cannot hide behind a computer screen", she says.

Although it's true that you can't hide behind a screen, you can choose what and where to post. Some find that the more open and authentic you are, the better. Social media helped Anita Rosner, renowned blogger and host of the podcast Snork, gain the confidence to relaunch her acting career. Rosner recently relaunched her acting career after a 20+ year absence. To do so, she decided she needed to get real about the process. "I've ditched posting the best of myself, and now post photos that are very authentic-- even when I'm made to look awful-- because that's part of the job. I've noticed a lot more hits on my podcast as a result."  And Deena Baikowitz, Chief Networking Officer at the Fireball Network, says social media has made her an even better networker. "I love using social media to share more of my personal life with my network. It makes me- and everyone who uses it- more memorable, relatable, interesting and approachable. Now, at business networking events, the first thing people say is often "how's the dating going" or "I love your photos-- where do you dance". Sharing my personal life creates much more meaningful connections, provides fun conversation starters, and sets a friendly tone to lead into business talk." Baikowitz has seen the success of that "warmed" networking firsthand-- her business has grown as a result.

Of course, being authentic is wonderful, but the realization that you now have a "personal brand" whether you like it or not, can be truly daunting. Some, however, use their networks to not only showcase their personal brand, but help them develop one. Marie Bonaccorse, Founder and Social Media Specialist at the Sassy Tweetress, talks about the digital legacy that your footprint leaves-- and using the community to help keep your brand in check. "Trust me when I say you will know if you're off", says Bonaccorse. "Your community is a great litmus for both your strengths and weaknesses. I have found that surrounding myself with those I admire, respect and love, I have a network of empowerment. Social media has made me more confident. It solidifies my philosophies and opinions but keeps me open and accepting for when I need correction."

This type of course correction can either come from reflection, like in the case of Bonaccorse, or, like in the case of Dea Lawrence, the CMO of Variety, it can come from taking a pause before posting. "I do find myself being thoughtful in what I respond to , share or state as it not only reflects my personal brand but the brand I represent and I would not want one of my posts to be misinterpreted." Although she does take pause, Lawrence finds that social media has also increased her confidence-- "Social media has raised my profile so, in that regard, it has made me more confident that I am perceived as an expert".

Lawrence is not alone in the shift towards more conscious behavior as a whole. Kat Gordon, Founder of 3% Conference, adds, "The amplification of social media has made me get crystal clear on what I believe before I share it". Carmen Shirkey Collins, Social Media Manager of the Talent Brand at Cisco says it's not just being conscious about the message, but being conscious about the medium in which it's posted. "I think about the content I'm going to post before I post it and where. Which channel will this go on? Sometimes, I post the same story but in different ways. For example, I'll take an Instagram photo, post it to Facebook, reshoot it for optimal Twitter viewing, and then take a Snap as well!"

Laurie Satran, a longtime blogger and social media manager at Starr Restaurants, talks about how social media challenged her to stop comparing herself to others. "In the beginning, when I first became active on social media, I spent a lot of my time comparing myself and achievements to what I saw others doing. This stripped me of my confidence when I didn't think I 'measured up'. After making connections with the people I had compared myself to and learning from them instead of comparing myself to them, I realized there is more support and empowerment in online communities than there is resistance and competition. The only person I now try to be better than everyday, is myself."

I love the perspective that Cara Friedman, Social Media Manager of ClassPass shared, and think it truly sums up the effect social media has had on each of our concept of self-- along with what to do about it. "I certainly post things that will show off the best version of myself, and I know that when I see others through my feeds, they are likely doing the same. You shouldn't feel less confident or proud in your own accomplishments based on what you see others post. Remember, if you're not sharing your whole self on social media, others likely aren't either."