That is a great piece of advice. I'm increasingly confused about how best to understand & keep on top of what's happening in the world of social media because I personally don't use Facebook, Pinterest, Whatsapp, Snapchat, Google+ etc.
At what point will my personal decision to opt out off the leading social networks (Twitter, and LinkedIn to a lesser extent, are exceptions) start affecting my professional insight into where the Internet and the bulk of its users are headed? I frankly don't know.
I'm in exactly the same position. I'd honestly rather spend my time meditating, reading or playing outside in the world.
I rationalize the renunciation of social media by remembering that I'm looking to build something incredibly innovative. And to build something incredibly innovative, it helps to (first) step away from the crowd, (second) find a boon, and (third) bring it back.
I think you can worry about the crowd after the first 2. At least then you have direction amidst the chaos.
All that is fine and kudos to you for having that ambition. Do remember that you also need to know how things work and what makes them work.
Internet, at its root, is a communication medium. Things like facebook, google+, pinterest, snapchat, etc. are part of a VERY natural evolution of this medium.
Being part of the chaos doesnt mean you cant see order amidst it. That's where great entrepreneurs come from. They dont go away from all society and magically, one day, reappear with a brilliant idea. They are in the middle of the chaos, figuring out what works, why it works and how to make it work even better...
At what point will my personal decision to opt out off the leading social networks (Twitter, and LinkedIn to a lesser extent, are exceptions) start affecting my professional insight into where the Internet and the bulk of its users are headed? I frankly don't know.