How to network online with out becoming a "groupie"---

One thing  is evident these days, that is the power of media to influence us all.
That can be good sometimes, but not always. The good part is when we gather useful information and communicate with others in a mature and responsible way.
The bad part is when people basically get so enthralled with a project, a community, a group, or an issue that they begin to lose their ability to make critical decisions based on valid information because they are becoming puppets to some very influential, out-spoken person on the Internet.
When a person is so influenced that this happens, they are prone to "knee-jerk" reactions which are very emotion-based.
Networking is an important tool for gaining knowledge, but we should all be mindful of how we go about it.
 Social media can be very addictive. Look at how many people cannot go for very long with checking in with their "friends", or without continually texting someone.
Mental slavery can sneak up on a person. It's like a Stealth Bomber, you don't even realize what's happening until it's too late. Then you're hooked.
I am not opposed to social media, but use it wisely.