Jason Douglas did an experiment on Tuesday (his birthday). He removed his birthday from public view on Facebook a few months ago to see how many people would post on his wall “Happy Birthday”.
In his own words this is how the experiment ended up:
Suddenly, it was 10:35, and I had zero twitter friends wishing a happy birthday, and only one new happy birthday wish on Facebook. However, I did have four business emails wishing me happy birthday. For those keeping score: Email 4, People on social media: 2.
This confirmed what I had thought. Without a reminder, very few people would know about my birthday. Everything changed when my girlfriend, Amanda, sent a happy birthday tweet and Facebook status update. Experiment: dead. Before her status update on Facebook: 6 birthday wishes. After: 30. Before her tweet: zero. After: 40+.
Flickr Photo: Creative Cakes by KeeKee
I have to admit. I’m horrible at remembering birthdays (or dates in general). Usually it’s only my family and close friends that I keep track of on my calendar. I have definitely been guilty in the past of doing the now normal Facebook wall post to each of my friends when Facebook tells me it is their birthday.
So in the new age of information sharing, what are we missing? I call my mom and dad on their birthdays (usually Mom calls me really early in the morning coaxing me into remembering). Family is mostly included, but I forget one now and then. If it wasn’t for my dad or mom calling me to remind me of an upcoming birthday I’m sure I’d miss more.
That’s not the point though. Right now I’m following 537 people on Twitter and have 280 friends on Facebook. Not counting family members and close friends on Facebook I don’t think I know anyone’s birthday off the top of my head. I’m not bothered by that.
Yes, it’d be nice to know, but now in the Facebook era I know when my friend’s are having birthdays without anyone letting me know. Facebook is my social calendar for events and birthdays (since I don’t post to it anymore).
Social Media is about being… well… more social. I suggest stopping the normal expected Facebook wall post and being a little more creative. Yes, it’s going to be a challenge for me as well.
What do you do besides post on a friend’s Facebook wall when it’s their birthday? How do you prefer to be congratulated of Your Day?
Thanks Jason for the thoughts, and Happy Birthday once again. (that’s one way to do it)