I’m curious. How much Social Networking is too much social networking?

I currently maintain two blogs (this one and a professional one), a Twitter account, a Facebook profile, a LinkedIn account, and I’m also a member of several other forums and newsgroups. Loosely calculated, I think I spend about 1.5 hours a day in this space. And I should mention that most of this time is spent early in the mornings before the kids wake.

But here’s my justification: For one, Facebook is necessary! It is the only way that I can keep in touch with more than 100 close friends and family. Without FB, I would feel completely out of touch. I live in Europe after all and most of my friends and all of my family live in the US.

On Twitter, I’m able to post links and interesting tidbits about the economy, politics, and technology with an eye towards marketing for my professional blog. On GrengaMa, I can post more personal accounts, musings, and rants on the blog without interference or contamination with the people who care only about what I have to say professionally.

All of these things to me are necessary to stay connected. But at what cost? Should I cut down? I’d like to know your thoughts if you have any on the matter.