After the turbulent times of the last few years, social media lurkers may cast a menacing image. So, what would you think about the idea we could use more lurkers?

No, not the creepy, threatening kind. But those who actually think before spraying the universe with opinion, rudeness, or hate.

Social Media Dynamics

Most (53.6%) of the total world population are active social media users. However, social media platforms have different dynamics.

• Some are tight-knit communities.
• Others are casual hangouts.
• Some have focused goals.

And those dynamics change. LinkedIn has undergone dramatic changes. The platform’s purists make snide references to it turning into another Facebook.

Even more reason to become social media lurkers, particularly when joining a new platform.

The social media lurker who hangs back before blasting in with his or her opinion understands the power of listening.

I have the following simple formula for social media success (at least initially). If you’d like a handy reminder, download the PDF version. 

 

Social Media Lurkers Who Listen

Listening is its own skill. Snap judgments roll right over that positive trait and the need to be heard often becomes a one-way street.

Imagine you are at a party. The room is full of people – some you know, some you don’t. While standing with a group of friends, you are discussing a business problem you have.

• Next, two strangers walk up.
• One stands there listening.
• The other talks over everyone to “solve” your problem.

Who are you more likely to invite back to the party?

The lurker on your blog, in that forum, or some other social media platform may be like that other stranger. They may be listening before responding. And that’s a good thing.

Don’t you wish you had more listening lurkers than loud-mouth gate crashers?

The Lurker Who Learns

Some platforms, like certain Groups in LinkedIn, have specific agendas. Although, I have found the Groups feature has changed a lot from the early days.

Remember those loud-mouth gate crashers? They put on a full-force blitz of many of the groups I participated in. Several Group leaders threw in the towel.

I know strong Groups still exist. But finding them has become a challenge (in my humble opinion). But, if you do, try being a lurker and learn about whatever group or community you’re joining.

Lurk & Learn Example

Say your group is a “traditional” western medicine group and along comes an eastern medicine advocate. The advocate would be wise to try lurking on discussions.

• The advocate first learns the character of the group.
• Is it a group open to discussions of the eastern philosophy?
• How does the Group owner manage discussions?

Before I get blasted, this is not a promotion of one philosophy over another.

You’ll find individuals who are passionate about each philosophy. But by holding back and learning about the group, the advocate can pick up on the dynamics.

• Is there a respectful exchange of ideas, even in the face of strong opposition?
• Does the platform have effective management of user behavior?
• Are discussions productive and a fair presentation of different opinions?

Isn’t that what social media should be? That’s my Pollyanna persona speaking out.

• Taking different sides of a discussion can be a good thing.
• However, sometimes by lurking and learning about the group,
• You’ll discover if participating is worth your time.

Unless you like to argue.

Lurk – Listen – Learn

See? I told you there is a good side to lurking.

By listening and learning, lurkers can develop into engaging, respected members who are welcomed to the party.

How about you?  Are you a lurker?

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Note: This July 16, 2021 post updates the original publication on September 28, 2011.

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