Social media in 2023: the good, the bad, and the WTF
It's hard to believe that social media has been around for about 20 years. In that time, it has become an integral part of our lives, and there's no sign of it slowing down.
Some believe that social media will become more personal, with platforms becoming specialized for different demographics. Others think that AI will take over many of the tasks currently done by humans (such as moderating content), leading to a more automated experience.
Whatever happens, one thing is for sure: social media will continue to evolve, and we'll all be watching (and using) it!
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Social media has come a long way in the past decade.
We've gone from simple text-based platforms to highly-visual, interactive gardens of information.
But what does the future hold for social media? First, we need to recognize that finding a recipe for keeping users engaged is the most important factor.
So, let's start with the good stuff!
1. Increased focus on private sharing
In the wake of data breaches and privacy scandals, social media users are increasingly interested in protecting their personal information. As a result, we can expect to see more platforms focusing on private sharing, either through direct messaging or small, closed groups.
2. More personalized content
Social media algorithms will continue to get better at showing us content that is relevant to our interests and search history. This personalized content may take the form of articles, videos, or even ads, making social media an even more important part of the marketing mix.
On Facebook, for example, we will be watching a feed that is more and more personalized to our interests with recommended content by AI. It is also expected that this, however, will be increasingly from pages that we do not yet follow.
3. Increased focus on audio
With the popularity of podcasts on the rise, users are becoming more accustomed to consuming content in this format. We will also see continued growth in platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. For businesses, this means that now is the time to start experimenting with audio content and thinking outside the box when it comes to format.
4. BeReal is on the rise
BeReal is a social media app that's based on authenticity and real connections. And it seems to be resonating with people. The app is quickly gaining popularity, particularly among young adults. Whether it's because we're craving more genuine interactions or we're simply tired of seeing perfectly filtered photos, it's clear that BeReal is filling a need in the social media landscape.
5. The advantages of UGC are numerous
One of the most significant shifts will be towards a more authentic and transparent form of marketing known as user-generated content (UGC).
Authentic UGC is more trusted by consumers than traditional advertising, and it can be used to create an emotional connection with the brand. This could take the form of product reviews, testimonials, social media posts, or even user-created videos and ads.
6. Exclusive content for subscribers
Yes! It is already in the testing phase and may even move on to the rest of the world. Instagram will allow users to subscribe to content from their favorite creators.
In this way, they can make stories, posts, reals, etc., only for those who pay the monthly fee, sharing unique content with those who are most connected.
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Moving to the bad…
Unfortunately, not everything about social media in 2023 is positive, but when was it?
With the increasing popularity of live-streaming, there will be more opportunities for cyberbullying and harassment.
In addition, the spread of fake news will continue to be a major problem. As we've seen in recent years, social media can be used to manipulate public opinion and influence elections.
In addition, new technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality will create new opportunities for both connection and… deception.
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And… Will this actually happen?
And then there are the aspects of social media that we can't even begin to predict.
Who knows what new platforms or features will emerge in the next year? We may even see a return to more traditional forms of communication, like email or texting. Or maybe we'll all just be communicating via emoji by 2023 (Hey, it could happen 🙃!)
As more and more people flock to the metaverse, social media apps will likely be looking to raise awareness of their next-stage development in AR posts. This new form of posting will provide users with a variety of new features and experiences, including the ability to view posts in augmented reality.
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So what does all this mean for us?
Social media in 2023 will be an ever-evolving landscape, with new platforms and features emerging all the time. But one thing is for sure: it's going to be exciting!
Of course, nobody knows for sure what is coming, but it is good to be tuned in to possible changes!
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