Generation Hashtags: #BeingHumaninaVirtualWorld
Yes! you’re right. There is a new generation. This generation is social but not quite social as we know it. If you know what I mean. It’s over there! right in front of you. It’s lurking over the #internet and it’s ready to invade everyone of us. So, you better be ready to join or be left behind crying your guts out.
Ok let’s get back to business.
Around the world, social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter to name a few are the most popular platforms we access on the internet, in public places and in private notably in the toilet (according to experience.) I think I can smell something fishy. So, we better #getoutofhere!
Over the years the proliferation of internet-enabled devices has changed our everyday habits not just in Australia but all over the world. We cannot deny the fact that checking social media platforms is one of the common reasons we access the internet today. According to the 2018 Yellow Social Media Report, “60% of Australians use the internet more than five times a day and we own an average of 3.5 internet-enabled devices. On average, social media users mentioned four reasons for social networking. The top four are to catch up with family and friends (85%), to share photos or videos (46%), for news and current affairs (36%) and to watch videos (32%). See figure below for more details.”
Clearly, wherever we go, whatever we do we are on social networking sites watching, looking, liking and following for something interesting that resonates who we human beings are or at least reflect the way we want ourselves to be.
While it is true that social media has now become a permanent part of our daily lives, we cannot deny the fact that some if not all for whatever reasons will eventually wake up from their own virtual world. The figure below, from the 2018 Yellow Social Media Report, shows us how and why some Australians do not want to be involved, have rejected and completely disregard the use of social media.
It is evident that the lack of appeal has the greatest impact on choices we make in terms of engaging on social media. This then, tells us that in order for someone to succeed in the world of social media whether you are a brand or a business or influencer ‘wanna be’ (very popular this days) your content has to be appealing.
I know it’s easier said than done but we now live in a different world. Consumers are more empowered to demand what they like. Without doubt for an organisation to adjust, it will potentially cost a lot in many respects. Brands or businesses may need to restructure policies and processes. I suppose, that if you want to blend in to this new generation you’ve got to do what everybody does. Be involved, add some more hashtags, follow and like and leave a comment.
Let’s talk about content. The question is, what then, is an appealing content?
Think about it this way, we human beings have an infinite capacity to make mistakes and it is natural to make mistakes. We have likes, dislikes and insecurities. In short, we are not perfect and we have to admit it. So, your social media contents should not talk like a robot or a machine but instead it has to be real. It has to be human-like; admitting mistakes when it happens, cracking jokes even if you think its corny, blending in rather than being too serious and feeling isolated. That makes it appealing and interesting.
Social Media Influencers
Kylie Jenner, at the age of 21, has been named the youngest self-made billionaire by Forbes after admitting that, like everyone, she too, has insecurities. (https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/beauty/kylie-jenner-is-the-youngest-selfmade-billionaire-ever-but-just-what-did-it-cost-her/news-story/5f5c256b70529e3339f28f569ac50fb40). In Australia, Kayla Itsines and Tobi Pearce are listed in 2018 AFR Young Rich List (https://www.afr.com/leadership/afr-lists/young-rich/atlassian-cofounders-lead-young-rich-list-2018-20180918-h15jji). They definitely cracked it. They are able to relate and blend in to what people are searching for and what is current. They are creating contents that resonates what people like or who they want them to be. Thus, creating a better value for their brand. They are able to appeal to people’s emotions and talk like humans do rather than machines. These commonalities were the catalysts to succeed and be listed as among the richest people in the world because of social media. The impact of utilising the typical use of social media is indeed powerful to keep consumers engaged and loyal.
So, whether you are a brand or a business or influencer ‘wanna be.’ To gain #trustandrespect you must be a #human (relatable, interesting and honest) in a virtual world as outlined by Kaplan & Haenlein in their 2010 article “Users of the world, unite! The challenges and opportunities of Social Media.
Sounds ironic doesn’t it? Well, Kylie proved it.
Don’t forget to hashtag #digitallysocial.
Yes, I know what you’re thinking’ don’t be shy. Share it with me. Everything matters. Post a comment.
Watch out for the next blog.
Everything mentioned are definitely true. This is the reality of it. Nowadays, social media has become the fastest source of information and most powerful way of communication. (Double thumb's up to that) It's fast, efficient, and not all but mostly reliable. That's why most businesses can easily make money and a lot of people can be an instant celebrity. We'll I have nothing to say, it's good and very effective.
ReplyDeleteBut I think getting involved to be in the virtual reality is always our choice. But I still firmly believe the best way to enjoy life to see the beauty of world outside that tiny box. But it really depends on you.
Anyway, thank you for sharing this. Good read.
I appreciate your insightful thoughts. I agree that social media is not all good. I believe that there's always a bad side to everything. So, it should be a shared responsibility between users and developers to ensure the accuracy and reliability of information being shared in public. In terms of typical paid celebrities (the usual actor and actresses) who are paid to advertise. I think they are almost gone opppsss...thanks to SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS- the new kind of celebrities :=)
DeleteYes! Lots of companies now are transferring their advertisements to Social Media because power of social media now is limitless. I have cited some companies are scared for all the negative feedback they will recieved through social network because it can easily destroy their reputation. It's great a opportunity also for businesses and consumers to get in touch or talk for much faster resolution and appreciation. Very nice to talk about it nowadays. :)
DeleteAbsolutely agree! I believe companies need to be on top of the game with so much care though because you can always get some unhappy consumers who can potentially destroy their image. But i guess even a negative feedback can sometimes benefit the company because they will know what's going on and resolve it instantly.
DeleteYeah right! Social media gives them accurate and precise consensus how their brand are performing not just based on sales or numbers.
DeleteSocial media has definitely changed the way we live and behave. We do not all like social media for various reason but everyone is free to choose to use it. Quite a lot of people start closing Facebook accounts for security reason, we do not control any of our information and it seems a problem. Others don't care and use SM to socialize with friends or even people they don't know, like influencers and SM has definitely a lot to offer. For some people, their presence on SM has become their everyday job, collaborating with brands. Businesses use every opportunity to reach more potential customers, why not, obviously but with these security and privacy concerns present, who knows what will happen in the future...
ReplyDeleteDefinitely agree!!! privacy and security is always an issue. so we better be careful on what we do online and who we trust. I guess it boils down to the idea of a shared responsibility between users and developers to ensure what being posted online are accurate and truthful. But i guess it's easier said than done. We probably need the intervention of the government. OMG i think it's too complicated!!! I guess we just need to be careful.
DeleteHi Grey! Loved reading your blog post... I couldn't agree more. Social media is definitely an ongoing topic of interest. I too use it everyday and am unconsciously checking my phone (probably more than I should be). Some of what you said actually aligns with my blog posts (be sure to check it out) and I believe influential marketing is the day of our age. Businesses are finding it much more easier to collaborate with an influencer in contrast to more traditional forms of marketing. On the other hand, as much as I want to say that social media is a good thing, there are always going to be negative connotations associated with it. Currently, it will remain a challenging concept to tackle especially when you are trying to manage those who are negatively commenting or engaging with your posts and content.
ReplyDeleteMy blog: melsinsight.wordrpess.com
True! i guess one of the reasons why there are still people who are very skeptical on using social media is because the way it is being used by others like the trolls. Some have actually shut their account completely due to some recent events which is very sad. If only both users and developers come together to create a more harmonious relationship by imposing rules that can protect us from all the negatives then it would be a better place for everyone:)
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