This week’s ‘flip lecture’ features 45-minute documentary Generation Like; a piece on the synthesis of social media to the lives of modern young adults. It is clear prior to viewing the film that social media acts mostly as a competition of likes/friends/followers, in an attempt to emulate fame through instant gratification. Although the idea of empowering kids through self-expression and the ability to communicate with
their idols (via Twitter), there are things that corporations such as Facebook and Twitter are not so open about.
The idea of “taking teen culture and selling it back” comes from two elements, that is, the endorsement of commercial products and thetracking of user activity. Successful social media practitioners such as YouTube’s Tyler Oakley unknowingly promote brands that receive their approval, in his case, his obsession with the boy band One Direction. Secondly, these corporations are aware of their users’ activity through the use of unknown algorithms that track preferences and supply more options for prolonged interaction. This knowledge is then taken to shape the brand according to the consumers’ desires.
As a social media producer, it is clear that to study the target audience is important in creating a successful campaign. Utilising the strategy of other social media practitioners, one must cater towards the demands of the consumers, by eliciting curiosity and exhausting visibility.
With that, there are some details that are necessary in the success of the Symphony Cacophonia (working title). Firstly, as per discussed during the tutorial, the event will need to be held somewhere within obvious reach of the public, most likely on a weekday. The State Library and Federation Square are amongst the venues that were mentioned during our meeting. Although the musical aspect will be initiated by actual musicians, the public must feel unwary of approach, through clear signage and spatial allowance that encourages participation. As of now, the group must look into council permits and any laws that may affect the event, to ensure that its success will be without a doubt.