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Trends for 2010 - David Armano - The Conversation - Harvard Business Review.mht C:\Documents and Settings\user\My Documents\CLN647 Youth Culture texts\Six Social Media Trends for 2010 - David Armano - The Conversation - Harvard Business Review.mht
“Social media begins to look less social by David Armano
With groups, lists and niche networks becoming more popular, networks could begin to feel more "exclusive." Not everyone can fit on someone's newly created Twitter list and as networks begin to fill with noise, it's likely that user behavior such as "hiding" the hyperactive updaters that appear in your Facebook news feed may become more common. Perhaps it's not actually less social, but it might seem that way as we all come to terms with getting value out of our networks — while filtering out the clutter.”
With groups, lists and niche networks becoming more popular, networks could begin to feel more "exclusive." Not everyone can fit on someone's newly created Twitter list and as networks begin to fill with noise, it's likely that user behavior such as "hiding" the hyperactive updaters that appear in your Facebook news feed may become more common. Perhaps it's not actually less social, but it might seem that way as we all come to terms with getting value out of our networks — while filtering out the clutter.”
The popularity and everyday use of the mobile is occurring because it is personally satisfying and it allows for instantaneous communication across various mediums. Social media sites such as MySpace, Facebook, or YouTube fight it out in a league to be the most popular social networking site and the user numbers are increasing exponentially in a seemingly effortless manner, as more and more age groups post their messages, photos and mundane aspect of their lives to be shared on these sites. Receiving messages from Facebook or twitter directly to your mobile device keeps people constantly connected and opens communication channels between users and groups.
Armano suggests that the over use of popular social networking sites such as Facebook and twitter is causing some people problems and they are being forced to block or hide users to control the amount of noise or constant messaging. This behaviour is seen as antisocial in cyberworld and possibly opposing the philosophy underpinning these sites. However, there does seem to be a trend that social networking sites peak in popularity and are usurped of their enviable position by an alternative site. This was certainly the case for MySpace last year. So if the users’ needs are not being adequately met they may make their sites more exclusive or their loyalty to that site may wane and they will possible look for an alternative site.
The increasing capacity and functionality of mobile devices will probably place even greater pressure on social networking sites and there is no doubt they are certainly a social phenomenon worth following.
Comment by Karin.
ReplyDeleteI can understand the statement, “Social media begins to look less social,” made by David Armano as people look towards different ways to manage their communications through social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, etc. I often wonder how people manage to keep up to date with everything that is going on in Social Networking sites, whilst maintaining offline relationships and being productive at work. I know I have missed important information in emails when I feel I have fallen behind and delete those that appear to be unimportant.
People are struggling to keep up with the vast amount of information available today. It isn’t that people want to be less social but rather are unable to find the time and means by which to remain as social as they would like. Mobile devices definitely provide increased ability to access social networking sites anytime and anywhere but there simply isn’t enough time in the day to keep up with the volume of friends that people have today through social networking sites.
I agree that, “The increasing capacity and functionality of mobile devices will probably place even greater pressure on social networking sites,” but I also feel that as social networking sites continue to evolve, so will the ways that we are able to communicate with others. I imagine that developers will realise the time constraints people are feeling and develop easier, more manageable ways to interact. As the novelty of social networking sites wears off, I believe people will begin to be more selective of who they follow and who they remain in touch with.