If you’re even remotely interested in social media, and not living under a rock, you have probably heard of the new up and coming app Vine. After a few hours of buzz, I finally signed up to see what all the fuss was about. I was hesitant to sign up for yet another social media site, but I also really hate to miss out on things.
The verdict?
I don’t think I’m into it.
I can’t stop feeling like it’s one more thing to do, one more thing to create, one more thing to check. And this time around, more than usual, I was left with the burning question: what is the point? I started following my usual crowd, real-life friends and a few favorite bloggers. Some were creating really beautiful videos, others were posting snippets of their kids and pets. I fall into the kids category, and would probably only use this app to take video clips of Everett (let’s be real, he’s freaking cute).
But, is it necessary? What’s the point? Are Instagram and Facebook and Twitter and Pinterest and blogs not enough? I already spend small chunks of my days sorting through glimpses of other people’s lives. I already see pictures of their babies and their smoothies and their projects and puppies. Only with those apps and websites, I can browse quickly. Vine? Not so much. Now I’m being asked to spend six whole seconds per video to view glimpses of other people’s lives.
I can’t help but feel like it’s too much.
I realize some people will love this app and find incredibly unique ways to use it (I’ve already seen some!), but for me personally, I’m just not sure if it’s something I want to invest time and energy into.
I already struggle with the balance between using social media and being present in my daily life. And when all is said and done, I guess I have to ask myself: will using this app enhance my life somehow? Or will it simply take away time from Everett? I know that sounds dramatic and perhaps too black and white, but I can tell you from my two days of experience using Vine, if nothing else, it is time-consuming.
Are you on Vine? Love it? Hate it? I’m curious to know your thoughts….
I also fell into the pressure to try Vine and would agree with you with it feeling like it’s too much. I haven’t even posted one yet because I feel like I don’t have anything to video.
Meaghan´s last [type] ..Friday Bullets
I felt theeeeee same way! Like, it exhausted me right away! It’s a fun idea, in theory…but goodness, things these days are quite the time-suck vacuum. How about I just invite people to hang out with me and they can see what we do/eat/read/make/watch/play in real life:-) xoxo
Bon Bon´s last [type] ..My Art Lessons Are Coming in Handy
AMEN AMEN AMEN.
Camilla´s last [type] ..In the kitchen lately
I’m with you. I didn’t even sign up to try it because I know it will be a time sucker and at this point I know everything I need to know about everyone else’s business.
See you in real life, friend! I prefer you in real life anyway. And Everett too. He’s even cuter in person.
Lesley´s last [type] ..To feel like a kid again
this is exactly how i feel. i can skim a blog or glance at a picture on instagram for 2 seconds and tell if it’s something interesting. 6 seconds can add up and the video may not even be interesting, cool or worth it
Amen! Like we need another thing to stress over, right? Oy…too much pressure for me!
natasha {schue love}´s last [type] ..Baby Ethan: Week 31
I’m with you. I’m aware of it and read numerous articles and know how our brands could use it, but me personally, I can’t add one more thing on my social media plate. Instagram already greatly increased how much time I spend on my phone. Ughh, just don’t think this one is worth it right now.
I joined because I saw that everyone else was doing it & I didn’t want to miss out. I feel kinda lame for posting that last sentance now that I go back & read it! In all honesty I’m not too impressed with the app so far. I can barely keep up with a full-time job, life at home, my social life & then all of the social media sites that I’m already a part of. I think I’ll be deleting my Vine account soon because I really don’t need another site to check every day.
Holly´s last [type] ..The letter C
nope…not my thing either…. Enough is enough!
toytulip´s last [type] ..My mom is visiting! ! !
I signed up too. It’s silly and fun, but who knows if it’s actually worth using as a marketing tool. I’ve enjoyed the cleverness of some of the posts, for sure. I haven’t checked it much after the first day of the “I’m on Vine!” Instagrams/Tweets (guilty, as charged). If I make a video and share it, I’m sort of done with it. I don’t see it as the social app it could be. Also, it really bothers me that I can’t make my profile private (unless I’m missing something?). My Instagram is set to private and I’m not sure I’d post anything super personal (my adorable nephews, my home, me, etc.) without being able to keep out the creepsters. For me, time will tell.
Jennifer´s last [type] ..Cover to Cover: Wayfare Magazine, Issue 1
Meh, the fact that my iphone broke ages ago and I am on a crap-er-blackberry, the decision has been made for me!
never heard of it. don’t instagram on pin, even checking a blog sometimes feels like a chore, so I don’t do these things as often. Think it is all too much.
robyn´s last [type] ..All about the bling!
hmm seems like this has not arrived to Europe yet.
But considering that Pinterest has already taken over my life, lately… I’ll probably pass on Vine.
I have an Android phone so I was really annoyed when I saw everyone and their mother posting about their Vine profile on IG because I felt left out. Then I was able to see a few Vine videos on Twitter, heard about the porn issue and saw this wonderful cartoon (http://laughingsquid.com/instagram-vs-vine/) and started thinking. Now I feel the same way like you do. Thanks but no thanks. I love IG but let’s be real to take a picture, apply a filter and post it it takes time. Time away from the people you’re with, time away from the moment you’re in. Never mind having to make a six second video. If it ever does come out for Android I think I’ll pass.
Well said, Ashlee. It’s a cool idea, but I’m not on Vine and I’m not planning to sign up because, as you said: “What’s the point? Are Instagram and Facebook and Twitter and Pinterest and blogs not enough? I already spend small chunks of my days sorting through glimpses of other people’s lives.”
Those things are already enough/too much for me – I don’t need or want another social media channel at this point because I need to focus more on being present in MY life, and spending less time as a spectator online to someone else’s!
Jacki´s last [type] ..52 BITES V.5 // AVOCADO & FETA TOAST
And if it’s for iPhone only at this point … I can’t sign up anyway
Jacki´s last [type] ..52 BITES V.5 // AVOCADO & FETA TOAST
I feel the same way. After tweeting yesterday that I had no interest in it, a friend of mine told me that I couldn’t hate unless I joined it & explored first, so I did… & still felt the same. I never watch videos. Why would I need to watch stop-motion gif videos of people’s cats & kids? I’ll stick with Instagram. it doesn’t have a real point, either, but it FEELS less useless…
Suburban Sweetheart´s last [type] ..Notes on New York from a n00b
I agree—I signed up, but don’t think I’m into it either! I even made a couple of videos, just to see if maybe I was missing out. But in all honesty, I just don’t really want to make videos (or watch 6-second looping clips of other people making videos). Totally with you!
Natalie Lynn Borton´s last [type] ..matcha obsession
That was my FIRST THOUGHT: another social media app?
I didn’t even bother to sign up. I hardly keep up with all the other sites I am on and I surely don’t have time to watch gazillions of little videos every day. No and thank you.
San´s last [type] ..Where to begin…
yeah… i am kinda avoiding it because everyone is hopping on the bandwagon and i really don’t need another distraction in my life! lol
Beth Mayberry´s last [type] ..the venue: casey’s barn