The number of predictions in social media that were made for 2011 is outstanding. But who can really predict things in a field where the leading social networking site of today, may not even exist in three months.
One trend I found went beyond the way businesses will use social media or what kinds of social media will be most popular. An article on ReadWriteWeb.com predicted the “10 Ways Social Media Will Change in 2011.” The seventh prediction made by author Ravit Lichtenberg, was that “psychology is shifting.” People used to feel like they did not have the ability to influence personal and cultural injustices, but today social media has given them a tool to extend their voice to reach the masses, and actually effect them.
Beyond this power to change, however, is how the constructs of relationships will evolve because of social media. Lichtenberg asks “how do we respond to the changing definition of relationships?” Behavioral cues are virtually gone, as interactions move behind a computer screen – or a smartphone, or an iPad. How will this impact our ability to connect? The number of people who rely on text messaging and Facebook updates to keep in touch with “friends” is far exceeding the number of coffee dates and even phone conversations.
Lichtenberg says “in the coming year, companies wishing to succeed should already start to set practices and create a charter to understand the intersection between technology and psychology. Focusing on behaviors is no longer sufficient.”
If companies can no longer focus on behaviors, then what do they focus on? Keywords, search terms, likes and dislikes. That is how marketers will find their consumers, and how friendships are made in the virtual space.
Lichtenberg asks “how does our need for emotional balance get addressed in the face of constant change?” And there is no doubt that this virtual space that is the center of worlds is constantly changing.
You're right: Social media has given us the tools to influence personal and cultural injustices. But how many of us have the courage to do so? Will the same access that Facebook, Twitter and blogging has created also stifle our voices and even deny our rights to freedom of speech as guaranteed by the First Amendment: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
ReplyDeleteIf you dare to post online your true thoughts about politics or religion or even a popular movie that you abhorred, will you risk jeopardizing both personal and business relationships? Will you be in for a rude awakening if the truth about your "Friends" and true friends shatter your long-held affection (or tolerance) for this person? Or, conversely, will they repel you if they find out "you're not the person who I thought you were?" And what about the love of your life who you have yet to meet? What ever happened to the old adage that opposites attract?
-- Prof. Rob Seitz