This week, I received five emails from companies claiming to be social media experts. If I plop down $1,000 to $2,500 a month, they claim they can run, manage and increase my social media visibility. Here is my challenge with social media: it’s trying to replace the good old fashioned ways of doing business that still work and develop long-term relationships.

This week my neighbor friend-requested me on Facebook and I was like, “Tom, you live right next door! Has our relationship gone from chatting outside to Tweets?”

The drawback to social media is that it can be addictive. Remember years ago when chatting online was the big thing and people got addicted to chat rooms? Well, social media sites are the new addiction. If I don’t post a status on Facebook daily, people email me and ask if I am sick– did something happen to me?

My opinion is that there are some positive benefits to social media if used in moderation and without abuse. But as I am sitting here waiting in line, just about everyone is texting on their phones.

Social media expert is the new job created by social media addicts, and or lack of knowledge. Companies are spending tons of money on social media training, experts and consulting just to stay with the times, or neck and neck with everyone else who is on the Social Media Buzz Train.

I don’t mind sharing a few positive thoughts on Facebook or connecting with an old friend; but I don’t really think that I need to spend thousands of dollars for an expert to tell me I better get on the social media train to make money, get business and be all up in everyone’s business every moment of every day.

At some point, you need to realize that there are still some good old fashioned benefits to non-social media routes. These approaches are not antiquated in nature; they are just ways that work to deepen a relationship.

I would like you to weigh in: Is social media out of control? Do you see it getting better or worse? What are some positive things you can do instead of connecting online?

I gotta be honest with you, I don’t like spending all my time on the computer. I like to put technology down and enjoy nature.  Social media can be very deceptive and addictive, so you need to be careful.