by Mark Ollig

Created on: December 03, 2009

Sometimes we just need a break from our online social networks.

It's true; I speak from my own personal experience and the comments I read out there on those numerous online social networks.

Habitual communication via the online medium does take a toll, and I am here to say symptoms of online social networking overuse can lead to temporary online burnout.

Being one who socializes (a lot) on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, JustinTV, various blogs, and other online social networks on a daily basis I have come to understand a break is not just sometimes needed, it has become an accepted necessity of those of us who seem to live online.

I sometimes find myself caught up in the whirlwind of having to respond right away to every text message, e-mail, Twitter post, Facebook and MySpace message and query, plus those online friend requests, and even answering Skype calls. When I am in a live chat channel, I make sure I am responding and contributing in a timely manner. I mean, it takes a lot of concentration to make sure one is properly using the correct emoticons, chat terms, and saying interesting things like: hahaha, TMI, BRB, and LOL.

Anyone else out there using Twitter? After all, Twitter boasts it is the telegraph system of the web. Twitter simply wants you to tell the world what you are doing at this particular moment in your life.

Well, coming up with something new to say each day is somewhat challenging. With only 140 characters per tweet, one must be precise in saying what's on your mind and type it in an articulate, succinct, and descriptive manner which captures the attention and fancy of your Twitter followers.

Twitter has a tendency to become overloaded during times of major news happenings, such as when Michael Jackson passed, everyone seemed to be sending messages over Twitter at the same time, and so sometimes Twitter could not be reached.

Being on Twitter isn't just for us Citizens of the 'Net or Netizens either.

Many savvy businesses have figured out that where we are they better be too. I not only have businesses following me on Twitter, but I also follow them. I follow CNNBRK (breaking news), MinnPost, CNETTV, NASAJPL, and others, so it works to my benefit, as well. In total, I follow 62 fellow Twitters and friends (including William Shatner and Dame Elizabeth aka Elizabeth Taylor).

I have found myself becoming obsessed in making sure I am keeping myself current with all my social networks, everyday.

There is a new phrase regularly occurring

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