A new social media network, Pinterest, has begun to be noticed by many. This website revolves around members posting and “re-pinning” various pictures from the Internet. Users create “boards” that allow them to create a collection of images. Many of these boards are theme-based and can assist users in effectively organizing large or small life moments. Pinterest has a mission to “connect everyone in the world through the things they find interesting.” The social networking site also states that “with millions of new pins added every week, Pinterest is connecting people all over the world based on shared tastes and interests.”

Pinterest helps users plan weddings and other important events, log home decorating ideas as well as store recipes. Many things that would be commonly placed in a messy binder or notebook can now be organized and saved on the Internet through this site.

The site is also set up so users can show their “pins” to their friends. This is how the connection with other members can be established. Although every individual has a unique taste and adds a different flare to their boards, users can become inspired from those users whose boards happen to demonstrate similar interests.

Many media outlets have given Pinterest rave reviews. A writer from The Wall Street Journal said, “It hadn’t occurred to me that such an online service also would be a window into me for my husband who sees me every day.” TechCrunch said, “Pinterest joins Twitter and Facebook as the newest self-expression engine.” Other media outlets have also expressed their approval of the site while addressing the importance and relevance of the growing site.

Pinterest has also had an influence on new and breaking trends. For example, many of my classmates have been wearing lacy tops and peach colored outfits around campus. This trend began on Pinterest and spread like wildfire to the stores and Pinterest boards. The site is beginning to exhibit a new power that many social network sites are beginning to gain. The Pinterest site is creating a new momentum of influence in fashion trends as well as drawing awareness to causes like the Joseph Kony story. Social networks are beginning to make an even larger impact in our daily lives and ideologies.

The main eye-catching feature that differentiates Pinterest from the other social media networks is that it allows users to use their imaginations and release their creativity. Every picture can spark new inspiration in the viewer and help them to achieve new talents, goals and techniques. This probably accounts for why as many as 80 percent of Pinterest users are women. Many of the themes on Pinterest target women, whose interests often dominate the site. The topics vary but include event planning, recipes, fashion, travel ideas and many artistic genres. There are many opportunities for women to plan, dream and explore. That is why Pinterest has become such an attraction to females, because it often helps their users to organize their plans and dreams effectively.

Because Pinterest has become so popular with women, men have felt excluded from the imaginative and playful arena. That is why the site Gentlemint was created, so men had an atmosphere to dream and plan just like females.

Yet, the question arises if it is necessary to segregate the two sexes. Is it possible to share the same interests even if you are of a different sex? It will be interesting to see how effective keeping these two sites running and competitive to one another is while still attracting different viewers.

Pinterest has opened up a new way of thinking for many users on the Internet. They now have the ability to be inspired by something new at every click. Unlike other social media sites, this site promotes a happy lifestyle. The optimism with dreaming and planning can make those feel excited about their lives and the future. This craze has made such an impact on our trends and ways of thinking, and even sparked a site for men to feel just as inspired. Pinterest has changed the way our social media sites will connect, and I believe it is expanding our online world for the better.

— Samantha Trueheart is a sophomore in communications. She can be reached at [email protected].