PSA

I know that you are thinking that it is ok the way things are now that you are active on your social media site. You may be ok right now, but what would happen if (for any reason) that social media site decides to do a security check and needs to verify your information? What if it requires a security check from your phone number and request verification? Do they have the right number? If they do not have the right number, you may end up becoming locked out of your profile on that social media site.

I know firsthand how important it is. Let me tell you what happened to me. I did not update my phone number on Facebook and ended up losing my profile. They required me to verify a code that they sent to the phone numbers that was on file. The numbers were old numbers that I had maybe 7 to 10 years ago. One number was not in service, and the other number now belonged to some guy who was rude and basically cursed me out for calling his number. I understood that it was no way for me to verify my account, so it was disabled. That could be a tragic thing if you really use your account. So, think about it. Is your number updated?

Social media has become one of the most preferred communication methods amongst this generation. It allows people to communicate on the internet through video chat, blogs, and post. People could now stay in touch with friends, family, coworkers, and even enemies through social media. It is great for networking and making new friends. Someone may post something that they are feeling, at the moment, and post things about being happy, sad, angry, etc. They may also post serious things and express their outlook on how they feel, relate, agree with, or disagree with a situation, issue, or concern.

Social media has gain so much popularity and trust amongst the online community that it now has a great influence on this generation’s consumer decisions. According to Web Marketing Pros, social media affects consumers from different age ranges and races (Roesler, 2020). It was a study conducted that found that the millennials purchase decisions are highly influenced by social media compared to the other age groups. It is believed that this age group use social media the most for popularity, sharing food dishes, entertainment, and for purposes of creating and keeping up with new trends.

There are a lot of new businesses opening online. Since the pandemic, people are working from home and using social media outlets for assistance with their businesses. Marketing on social medial is increasing in popularity and is the preferred way for businesses to advertise. Some businesses require that prospective applicants have a Facebook account to apply for their job openings. Most employers would look over their applicant’s social media profiles to get information about their applicant before choosing to hire them. Using social media for business can be a great way to engage with customers, view competition, and develop a brand voice (Kuligowski, 2020).

Aside from business, social media is a good platform for entertainment and self-expression. People go on social media to broadcast their talent. Some people gain followers and fans and become somewhat famous in the online community. They may write poetry, raps, or sing. They may even play an instrument or do comedy. A person may be ridiculously photogenic or look good on camera and just like to share pictures. Others may be the complete opposite and go online to dislike pictures. Whatever motivates them to get on social media and share input on their life is their prerogative. The community on and off social media is open to see what is being shared.

References

Kuligowski, K. (2020, Oct. 2). Social Media for Business: A Marketer's Guide. Retrieved from Business News Daily: https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7832-social-media-for-business.html

Roesler, P. (2020). Study Finds Social Media Influencing Buying Decisions of Consumers. Retrieved from webmarketingpros.com: https://www.webmarkingpros.com/study-finds-social-media-influencing-buying-decisions-of-consumers/