Generation ‘Like’
“In the digital world, whether you’re on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, there’s a truism that’s both uplifting and scary…”You are what you like.”
How does this documentary alter your understanding of the way you use social media?
I don’t know that it altered it, as I have been aware of the power of likes for a while. My father works in this industry and loves talking about the value of the consumer and how their interaction is the most important aspect. Social media websites are easy and fun to join because they aren’t trying to sell you anything, rather, they are selling you. You are their commodity. However many likes, fans, or links a person can get is valuable and possibly the most sought after marketing technique in this internet age. Being aware of this, I am very conscious of what I promote online. Usually, I only generate content online if its something I am passionate about, because that is what the online space is all about. I don’t think I’ve ever taken a selfie, and I rarely update my status on Facebook or Twitter. But I re-tweet things I agree with, like comments I agree with, and respond in that way. I am far more interested in interaction with others, rather than publishing myself.
What connections can you make with the role of a Social Media Producer?
Though to some people it may not sound important, a social media producer has the huge responsibility to be the voice of their company to the majority of their consumers/ fans. While a large population still relies on television for entertainment, people who really want to connect and interact with the organisation will be searching it online. The goal is to communicate in that medium effectively, and in a fun way which will draw people in, encouraging them to like and share. This is why many marketing campaigns recently have been in the form of viral videos, rather than an ad on the TV. Being that many people, as well as myself connect with this medium every day, we all understand the purpose and expectations of social media producers.
What ideas does this documentary raise in regards to the event your group is planning and the task of achieving participatory engagement?
Though my group has not finalised an idea for an event, I can see how important it is to have an online presence. To be updating regularly with interesting and engaging content. Content that is agreeable and share-able, but more than that. It has to connect to what people already like and value. Rather than just talking about an event, talk about it in relation to other things or appeal to something in pop culture. Social media users jump all over that.