According to an ongoing web study from Global Web Index, between July 2009 and September 2010, participation in real-time social networks and microblogs both grew by 20%.

The survey of 51,000 global consumers indicated other highlights on social media:

• More than 50% of participants have updated their profiles on a social network
• Only 29% of participants reported ever using a microblog
• The percentage of consumers who said they updated their social network profiles daily was twice the percentage that said they updated their microblog

Micro-blogging (such as twitter, LinkedIn updates, or other short snipits of what you’re up to), is also on the rise, not only for as a personal tool, but also a professional one. It’s interesting how so many people are being turned onto this new fad of using social media in every aspect of their life and yet 82% aren’t connected to their boss on a social network.

People are tweeting about their day, posting photos of an event last night, updating their status to let you know what they’re eating and sharing  articles and stories that they enjoy. Do you think the reason people aren’t connected to their boss online is because of a lack of trust? Or because they share information that is too personal and they don’t want their boss to see?