There is a lot of confusion out there about social media.  Why should we use it?  What is the purpose?  Why should we devote our precious time and resources to what most people regard as play? Here’s why.

• Networking.  Call it schmoozing, hobnobbing, rubbing elbows, working a room, making contacts, expanding your rolodex, whatev.  Expanding our number of associates and contacts is not only a tool that’s essential for business survival and diversification, but also for human fulfillment.  We get restless and bored, and by expanding our circle, we open ourselves to new opportunities.  This is, at it’s core, what social media is all about.
• It’s Hip.  In life as it is in business, no one wants to appear out of touch.  What’s popular is not always right and what’s right is not always popular may be words to live by, but it doesn’t apply to the internet.  Popular will always merit at least a little of your attention.
• It Makes Your Internet Connection a Human Connection. Strangely enough, there are people behind every article you read, every blog post, every photograph.  Millions of people in the world can connect in an instant, and your choice of social medium will give you access to at least a fraction of that.

Maybe, however, your dilemma is not why, but which?

• Twitter: Everyone. If you don’t believe me, check out this article on why everyone who arrives at this website should Twitter.
• Facebook: Everyone. As a graduate in the last year and a half, I have a basic instinct to say that Facebook is for the collegiates only–that’s how it started.  But it’s just not true anymore.  Facebook is the premier social and business connection, and Facebook ads are by far the most effective I’ve ever used; as a business tool, Facebook is surprisingly incomprable.
• LinkedIn: Professionals.  I’m not on LinkedIn, I don’t intend to be, but I acknowledge that it’s a very up and coming business tool without unprofessionalism (like drunken photos or Lexulous).
• MySpace: Teenagers and Musicians. MySpace has nearly been resigned to the fate of Friendster, it’s arguable and forgotten predecessor, except for it’s unexpected platform for struggling musicians.  Beware, though; it also has a strong reputation for sexual predators.  The internationally popular site Skyrock has a very similar interface and design.

There are hundreds of purposes for social media sites that are more specific than the “general” one listed above.  To share photos, or if your business involves any sort of visual imagery, use Flickr (arguably the best photo share site), Webshots, Photobucket, or Kodak.  If you are looking for a romantic connection, check out eHarmony, Chemistry, JDate, or Adult Friend Finder.  Or if you’re looking for another kind of network, check out this comprehensive list from Wikipedia.

The point is if you want to move, shake, or expand your business, mind, or heart, social media is the way forward.  Pick your network as you will, but make sure you pick one, or this popular bandwagon will leave you in the dust.