The end of social networking
2007 will bring the end of social networking as we know it. It was fun while it lasted but it is over. Networking for the sake of networking is terrible and contra productive. Who really cares that you have 3000+ contacts? How does that benefit anybody?
The only social network I’m keeping is LinkedIn. And I’m not using it for its social networking aspect but for the way it lets me build a CV with recommendations of people I have worked with. Today I deleted my Orkut and OpenBC account and slimmed down my Preople and Hyves account.
I would have considered deleting my Hyves account but I know the founders and it feels a bit condescending to delete my account there. But even if I wanted to opt-out I can’t, they don’t offer a way to delete accounts.
So here is my bet: in 2007 most people will start feeling the same about Social Networking. The thrill of collecting new contacts will have faded. Most people that want to be connected will be connected and people will start concentrating on one Social Network that actually helps them in some way.
Some networks will disappear or morph into entertainment or game sites. Social Networking will be an interesting feature that will be integrated into certain services. Amazon might offer a tool to show you what books your connections are buying or iTunes will show you what your friends are listening too.
A good example of a social network that actually works is Plaxo. You are connected to all your contacts but not for the sake of being connected but for the sake of keeping their contact information up-to-date. I don’t care how many Plaxo contacts I have and I’m not collecting them either.
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I see that OpenBC.com has today revelaed it’s about to become XING.com!
I also note that Linkedin’s traffic has soared since May of this year when they made it easier to connect to people.
I still think that Preople.com has great potential though Boris!
LinkedIn’s traffic only went through the roof because the switched from SSL to non-SSL and Alexa cannot see SSL traffic. So this is a statistical artifact, if you want to put it that way.
Martin.
I removed myself entirely from Hyves and Linkedin because of privacy reasons. Maybe I do *not* want just anyone to know everything about me in just a few clicks.
How in the Heck did you delete yourself from OpenBC anyway? I can’t find the opt-out option anywhere, and I mean: I make these kind of interfaces :|
Hi Robert, it wasn’t easy. These services have nothing to win by making it easy to unsubscribe. But I searced help and they have a term for it. Something like ‘downgrading your free account’ or ‘canceling your non-premium memberschip’. Try that…
I deleted my Hyves-account by going to the FAQ. There in some weird sub-menu there actually is a link to the Deletion page.
Wow found it, thanks.
1. If you think that collecting contacts is synonymous to social networking, you’re a lousy networker.
2. People subscribing to several SERIOUS networks at the same time AND deploying sufficient activity on both (or more) of them already ARE rare, and will remain so in 2007, 2008 and 2027.
3. Social softwares that only facilitate having some kind of trvial fun are transitory as per definition, and probably WILL have a short life cycle.
4. LinkedIN is NOT a network. It’s a directory of people who are open for job offers, and for recruiters.
5. Good to know that knowing ME didn’t stop you from canceling your openBC membership. I’ll remember that one.
There, NOW you’ve done it! You’ve upset the Big Stumpel! Amsterdam is a small town, buddy, and it seems you’re skinny little ass is on the LIST!
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