Ongoing media research shows new trend reports of how teenagers are staying connected with one another. In a few short years, the teenagers of today will be the workers and shoppers of tomorrow. The statement leaves many retailers and media sources to closely monitor the movement, hoping to be there when the first paychecks are cashed.
Over the weekend, eWedNews met with several media sources that were not yet willing to pull the trigger on any device, app or commitment that would lock them into a long-term agreement. However, some did say they are closely watching the success of several new launches. “It’s like when the Internet was born; no one knew what to do but we all knew we had to somehow be there,” one source told eWN.
Reports say 27% of adults currently use Social media daily, while 63% of teens reach for their cell phones. The numbers are expected to climb, as more adults find the need to be accessible for their work and teens come into adulthood. In any case, studies and arguments for and against Internet searches and mobile use say they’re either making people smarter—or stupid.
“It’s definitely having an impact and is not leaving the world as it was,” say sources on both sides of the argument. Some feel the easy access to information is diluting, even inhibiting our train of thought and ability to concentrate, while others feel each search brings more knowledge. But eWedNews’ ongoing research does show all sources say there is too much information and its credibility is suffering.
“It’s the Wild West out there; anyone can say anything they like and it remains undisputed,” according to Jim Duhe of Bridal Guide Magazine. Duhe and others say they’re trying to corner the basis for a growing number of bloggers that are writing information on the Internet. “It is fascinating to see people’s perspectives; how and why they think the way they do. But at some point, there has to be some sort of standardization that makes sense,” says Duhe.
In growing numbers, retailers and advertisers are entering a leading phase of monitoring the process. Some companies have already pulled the trigger on requiring employees to talk about new product launches and positive information about their goods and services in Social Media circles. Some have also included strict guidelines that brush along the boundaries of freedom of speech and civil liberties, reportedly prohibiting the discussion of unflattering or sensitive information, fearing the results.
“We want to know what they (shoppers) think; we want them to unwittingly guide us to develop new products they’re willing to spend their money on. Years ago, we had to spend a lot of money for that information; now, it’s just a tweet or a blog away,” according to one retailer that did not wish to be identified.
In a move to make sure the boundaries are clearly identified, the Federal Trade Commission is joining other agencies, taking on a greater interest in marketing, advertising and monitoring, as mobile targeting and mechanisms have grown more sophisticated. According to the most recent review, eWN is monitoring the interest in user search and input, geo-targeting, coupling location with context, behavior; location-sharing, capabilities among users and among devices, social networking coupled with location-sharing and even surveillance capabilities. Privacy concerns remain high among activist groups, as well as the government agencies.
What are you thoughts? Are you a blogger; a Journalist; a skimmer; a reader—a stalker or pervert? What impact do you think Social Media is having on your business and in your life? If you wish to contact us in confidence, call 631-756-7981 or Paul@ewednews.com ; if not, feel free to post your thoughts publically.
eWedNews
All Rights Reserved
2010
Posted on 03/08/2010
Comments
Comments are the view of the comment poster, not the view of eWedNews. Please keep all comments relevant to the subject and respectful.
