by Erik Sass on Jan 17, 12:21 PM
There is more evidence that, for whatever reasons -- probably including the invasion of old fogies, the lure of new social networks, and the mercurial nature of youth -- teenagers saying goodbye to Facebook. The number of Americans ages 13-17 using Facebook has declined 25.3% from 13.1 million in January 2011 to 9.8 million in January 2014.
by Erik Sass on Jan 16, 12:44 PM
Social media is a great way for athletes to connect with their fans, but it's also a great way for other people, who are definitely not fans, to connect with athletes. That includes bespattering them with spittle-flecked missives of toxic hatred.
by Erik Sass on Jan 15, 12:40 PM
After a long delay, the Food and Drug Administration has finally released guidelines for social media marketing and advertising by pharmaceutical companies. Well, actually they're just draft guidelines, distributed to solicit comment by various stakeholders, but that's better than the ad hoc decisions and occasional musings the agency was in the habit of issuing before.
by Erik Sass on Jan 14, 12:55 PM
While advertising dollars are pouring into social media, most marketers still aren't quite sure what they're getting for their investments. An estimated one-hird (34%) of marketers say they have seen a return on from their social media spending.
by Erik Sass on Jan 13, 12:24 PM
One of the most annoying things about social media is the way people use it to project an unrealistic, idealized image of themselves. Others take it at face value, making them feel crappy about their own less-than-perfect lives in comparison.
by Erik Sass on Jan 10, 12:18 PM
While some professions took to social media like a duck to water -- journalists immediately recognized Twitter as their forever home -- physicians were understandably reluctant to jump on board, given all the liability and privacy issues. Seeing an unfulfilled need, in 2011 Doximity launched a professional social network for physicians that allows them to communicate with each other in full compliance with HIPAA rules. Among other things Doximity members can tap the expertise of other docs to learn more about conditions and treatments as well as job opportunities, conferences, and the like.
by Erik Sass on Jan 9, 12:49 PM
The British Ministry of Defense (sorry, make that Defence) is funding research into the role of social media during crises as well as the "rise of the digital insurgency," including the "hacktivist" group Anonymous, according to The Guardian, which first reported the news.
by Erik Sass on Jan 8, 12:18 PM
Well, this was probably inevitable, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. In the ultimate mash up of social media, wearable technology, and facial recognition, a company called NameTag has produced an app for Android, iOS, and Google Glass that will allow you to snap a photo of a stranger and then match it against photos in social networks and dating sites to find out who they are.
by Erik Sass on Jan 7, 12:12 PM
Social media advertising spending will continue increasing at a steady pace over the next few years, according to a new forecast from eMarketer, which includes figures for per capita spending and also breaks down global spending by region.
by Erik Sass on Jan 6, 12:24 PM
While most celebrities are careful to flatter fans and court the public on social media, there's a small but vocal subset of A-listers who have no use for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any of that nonsense, including George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock, and Daniel Craig. And it's not just the old fogies: younger celebrities are also criticizing social media for its alleged superficiality and negative psychological impacts.