It was in year 2012, during my Post Graduation years, that I was first introduced by my friend (or foe?) to Pinterest, with a warning: "do not blame me if you spend more time on Pinterest and less time on assignments. Be prepared to spare at least 3 hours once you click on the website". I used to be proud on my time management skills, but Pinterest flushed it down the drains. Once I would get started, time would fly and I would spend 3-4 hours doing nothing but adding pins to my boards. At one point I had to block this site if I wished to submit my assignments on time.
It has been 4 years, and my love-hate relationship with Pinterest still continues. In between, many other pages like Popxo were added to the caravan. Now I ponder whether this all was beneficial for me? My friends are not that big fan of these sites. So, what has this added to me?
Cost: First main cost is time. The amount of time that I have spent on these, if it was to be calculated for over the years, would be ginormous. other costs can include postponement of various other priorities like assignments, surfing on other websites, net packs, what else to add...
Benefit: Well, according to me, among my friend circle I am known as Google, because I know solutions to every kind of problems. Be it bra size, to recipes, to home remedies, art and craft, school assignments, any xyz thing, I always have some input for it. And the main source is Pinterest. It has given me confidence to speak out my thoughts, that are actually listened to and valued. Even among my relatives, I am considered as a Smart, Independent Woman. So, I can say that all those hours of Pinterest surfing has payed off.
Verdict: I know many people think that they have better things to do in life than sit in front of laptop and do nothing but just surf. Most of my friends don't even surf internet as a hobby. (what is wrong with these people, I think they have severe dinosaur-syndrome: the problem of not being up-to-date) Anyways, the point is - to each her own. Even if it occupies a major portion of your precious leisure time, according to me, it pays off. It boosts your confidence, give you many creative ideas, enable you to interact with people around the globe and, in general, be up-to-date. It can also help you in public relations and in promoting your career. And to a person like me, whose tongue freezes and mind blocks every-time when meeting with new people, it has been godsend. Its up to you how you max out the benefits and minimise the costs. Happy Pinteresting!!