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Originally published: September 13, 2021 09:07:43 PM, updated: January 28, 2024 12:40:12 PM
Social media is a computer-based technology that facilitates sharing of ideas, thoughts, and knowledge through virtual networks and communities. By design, social media is Internet-based and gives people quick electronic communication of content. Content includes personal information, documents, videos, and photos. Users engage with social media via a computer, tablet, or smartphone via web-based software or applications.
Social media originated to engage with friends and family but was later utilized by businesses that wanted to use a popular new communication method to reach out to customers. The power of social media is the ability to connect and share information with anyone on Earth or with many people simultaneously.
There are around 3.8 billion social media users worldwide. New social media apps like TikTok appear every year, joining the ranks of major social networks like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. The number of people using social media in the United States is expected to reach 257 million by 2023.
Why do people share content on social media?
There is no disputing that various people share different things. What's interesting to learn here is what motivates them to share information. What is the driving force?
The following are seven reasons why individuals share things on social media.
1. To provide others with valuable and exciting content
According to The New York Times, we want to inform, entertain, and assist the people in our life, which is why 94 percent of individuals say they post on social media.
2. To give others a sense of who we are
Every one of us has a distinct brand, and the stuff we share on social media represents our personalities. So it's no wonder that 68 percent of people say they use social media to express themselves and their interests.
3. To strengthen and nourish our bonds
People also share to form and sustain relationships. According to the New York Times, 73 percent of people share online to meet people with similar interests, and 78 percent share because it allows them to interact with people they wouldn't otherwise keep in touch with.
4. To make ourselves happy
Simply said, we share because it makes us feel more connected to the rest of the world.
5. To spread the news about a cause or a brand
We frequently provide information on the internet to express our support for issues and to educate others about the concepts and ideas we hold dear.
6. To keep in touch
People love exchanging information on the internet if it helps them maintain their existing ties. People can stay connected and develop connections by sharing information online.
7. Information management
Many users believe that sharing is a beneficial way of managing information because there is so much content in our life and so many people to share it with. "85 percent of respondents indicated that reading other people's answers helps them grasp and digest information and events," according to the New York Times survey. When they share information, 73 percent say they analyze it more profoundly, thoroughly, and thoughtfully."
Types of social media
When you hear the word "social media," what comes to mind first?
It's Facebook for us. Every day, almost 1.3 billion individuals visit this behemoth. Social networking sites like Facebook, on the other hand, are just one type of social media platform. We can and will name at least seven different sorts of social media.
What are they, and how can they help clever marketers and business owners reach a larger audience? Let's have a look.
1. Social networking sites
Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are all social networking services that most of us are familiar with. Friends, relatives, and brands can all be reached through these networks. They value intimate, human-to-human engagement and encourage knowledge sharing.
2. Social review sites
What's the first thing you do when you're planning a trip or purchasing a new product? If you're anything like us, the first thing you'll do is look at the reviews.
Yelp and TripAdvisor, for example, present evaluations from community members for a variety of destinations and activities. This takes out a lot of the guesswork involved in making a restaurant or hotel reservation. Are you unsure if it's the best choice for you? Check out the reviews to find out.
3. Image sharing sites
Images, infographics, and pictures, for example, capture our hearts, eyes, and imaginations. Instagram, Imgur, and Snapchat are all social media sites that increase the potential of image sharing.
Users create, curate, and share one-of-a-kind photos that elicit conversation and stand on their own. For your business, a picture is worth a thousand words.
4. Video hosting sites
YouTube changed the way we watch, make, and think about video forever. It turned the medium into something more approachable. Recent advancements in technology and connection have aided video's progress.
YouTube and Vimeo are video hosting sites that assist creators in putting together content and sharing it on a platform suited for streaming. Because of its accessibility, video has become an essential medium.
5. Community blogs
Not everyone on the internet wants to operate a blog from a self-hosted website, but sometimes an image or post isn't sophisticated enough for the message you've got to deliver. That's a significant amount of effort.
People can express their opinions and connect with followers on shared blogging sites like Medium and Tumblr.
These community blog platforms provide an audience while also allowing you a lot of personalization and expression.
6. Discussion sites
While most of us have witnessed numerous heated debates on Facebook, discussion sites such as Reddit and Quora are deliberately meant to elicit a response. Anyone can ask a question or make a statement, which draws individuals together who have similar interests and curiosities. On the other hand, users tend to give out less identifiable information than on Facebook and Instagram.
7. Sharing economy networks
Websites like AirBnB and Rover aren't simply for finding affordable vacation rentals or pet sitters. People who have something they wish to share can connect with people who need it through sharing economy networks. These communities create opportunities that would not be possible without technology by pooling resources on a broad scale.
Which kinds of content are most frequently shared on social media?
The top 5 categories of content that people prefer to share, according to the research, are:
- Pictures
- Opinions
- Status updates that let people know what they’re up to
- Links to articles
- Recommendations for stuff they like: books, movies, restaurants, etc.
Here’s the full list of the top 11 things people like to share:
Image Source: KimGarst
FAQs
Why do people post photos of themselves on social media?
Selfies are posted on social media to improve mood. Gaining followers or "likes" in order to compare one's worth to others is a form of social competitiveness. Trying to attract others' attention in the hopes of gaining favorable comments is known as attention seeking.
What does it say about someone who constantly posts selfies on social media?
It is a common misconception that those who upload selfies are conceited or even narcissistic. But frequently, a person with poor self-esteem may publish excessive selfies. One study suggests that men who post a lot of selfies may be selfish, but this is less likely to be the case for women.
Why do people publish excessively on social media?
They may feel famous after receiving likes, comments, shares, and that extra bit of attention. This may motivate people to share "too much" content even if they know it will draw attention to them.
Are people who post selfies on social media insecure?
People who take selfies are seen by strangers as being less liked, less successful, more insecure, and less open to new experiences than those who don't, according to research from Washington State University.
What does it mean if a girl posts a lot of selfies on social media?
It was discovered that women posted more selfies than men. The majority of these women frequently post due to low self-esteem. However, a tiny percentage of frequent posters were narcissists. These women place a high value on their exterior looks. To gain approval from their friends and classmates, they share selfies.
Why do people post negatively on social media?
Some people criticize you in secret because they are jealous of your position in life. They believe that by pointing out your shortcomings, they can bring you down a notch, and they feel compelled to do this because they dislike your success.
Why do some people show off on social media?
Insecurity. The most frequent explanation for showiness is this. Only when necessary should one flaunt themselves. They will only attempt to establish their importance if they believe others do not.
Final words
When it comes to developing shareable content, the rules are constantly changing, and no one can keep up with it. However, you can adjust more quickly if you understand how people think, their true motivations, and the personalities that drive them.
Now that you have all of the information, it's time to put it to the test and develop content that stands out.
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