She is the new social phenomenon that is giving the other websites a run for their money.
Pinterest, the online virtual board that allows users to share interesting ideas found on the web, has not only revolutionized the way bookmarking is done but has also managed to create a new way to connect with friends.
According to entrepreneur.com, the online bulletin board has reached wild growth since its launch in 2010. By the end of the last year the website recorded over 7 million individual visitors, up 1.6 million from earlier in September.
Resident director of Mayfield Sarah Erdman, testifies that the sudden boom of the website has served as an encouragement to bring her closer to her friends once a week as they unite a craft together.
Since receiving her virtual invitation to gain access to the site in October, Erdman has given second life to common household objects, like the vintage serving tray she crafted from installing handles to an old chalkboard which she uses to serve the new flavor of chai tea introduced to her by an RA.
Senior Sadie Utter has also pinned the word productivity as it has given her several occasions to get together with housemates to build memories while creating treasured keepsakes. She jumped on the Pinterest bandwagon last fall and since then has stumbled across simple recipes, scripture quotes and inspiring photography.
Just like Erdman, Utter said it has helped her to keep a strong communication with long distance friends who are in the process of planning a wedding. Utter, who will be a bridesmaid this summer, said it has become a helpful tool when finding beautiful decorations.
“Whenever I find good idea that is inexpensive I just post it on one of their boards and continue to exchange ideas that way,” she said.
One of the last projects she tackled with a group has received positive feedback due to its simplicity that any college student can design without breaking the bank.
“It’s melting colors on a canvas with a blow dryer,” she said. “It something cheap that is great to do with people you haven’t seen in a while,” she said.
Apart from the intriguing recipes and crafts provided from Pinterest, both Utter and Erdman can agree that the website is not one dimensional, like other social mediums.
“Facebook can so often limit you to conversations online but [Pinterest] in a way is allowing face-to-face communication avoiding fakeness from occurring and showing others who you really are,” Erdman said.
She also believes that the bulletin board serves as a way to “encourage girls” to think on deep issues though different kinds of blogs, including ministry and true beauty blogs. In the future Erdman said she would like to create an opportunity for all the girls in her building to fellowship through the art of crafting.