With the rise of technology, social media has become an
integral part of our lives. As with other aspects of life, the future of social
media will continue to evolve. Fortunately, we can use this to our advantage.
With the rise of smartphones, people are using more and more
social media sites. In fact, the Pew Research Center has reported that over
seventy percent of American adults are on at least one social networking site.
Despite the popularity, the internet is also being accused of enabling
cyberbullying and spreading fake news.
The popularity of Instagram and Snapchat have been cited as
examples of how visual content has increased in popularity on social networks.
These platforms are not only engaging for their users, but they are creating
new brands and new meanings. However, the future of these platforms will be
less about creating beautiful content, and more about interactions.
While people will still consume a variety of content on
social media, they will likely prefer video-centric content over text-based
information. According to a Cisco study, 82% of all online content will be
video by 2022. People will also be more familiar with audio content, such as
podcasts. Until now, audio content was limited to radio stations. But with the
emergence of wearable technologies, people will be able to create and share
content more easily.
In addition, augmented reality is set to revolutionize
shopping. This will allow people to make purchases directly from an app. It
will also save time. For instance, it will let consumers shop on Facebook
Messenger, rather than having to return to a website.
Social media is a great way to build relationships, as well
as increase brand awareness and sales. Several studies have shown that
consumers are able to discover new products and services on social networking
sites. Additionally, brands can boost their reach by partnering with
high-followed accounts. Creating social media posts that resonate with
consumers will help brands gain greater engagement, as well as keep them coming
back.
As with other forms of marketing, the future of social media
will continue to change. Consumers will be more aware of the data they generate
and how it is used. They may even be able to choose how their data is sold.
Eventually, companies will be able to customize their social
media presences to fit their businesses. They will develop better and more
proactive content strategies, and they will only operate on the channels that
are most relevant. There will also be a more mobile-focused approach to content
creation. Smartphones and other portable electronic devices are more affordable
than ever, making it easier for consumers to stay on top of their favorite
brands.
Another trend to watch is the convergence of social
networks. Although the first wave of social networking was seen as an effective
means of communication, some critics say it can also be used to promote or
destroy brands and products. Other criticisms have included the ability to
spread conspiracy theories, and the ability of social networks to enable
harassment and abuse.
