social media afterlife

Social Media in the Afterlife?

social media afterlifeWhile we’re all adjusting to a new normal of remote work and virtual classrooms during the COVID pandemic, social media can be an important connection to family and friends. A Harris Poll conducted between late March and early May found that between 46% and 51% of US adults were using social media more since the outbreak began.

2020 has been a tough year for all of us, and not any easier with the untimely loss of friends and colleagues. Imagine my surprise when receiving status updates for the recently departed.  Thirty million Facebook users died in the first 8 years of its existence and statisticians tell us that the dead will soon outnumber the living on Facebook according to this article on loop.com.

This has become such a big issue that we now have the FADA (Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act) which was set in place to extend the traditional power of a fiduciary to manage tangible property to include management of digital assets. So far, 25 states have enacted some version of FADA.

We should all take basic steps to get our digital affairs in order:

  • Make sure you have computer passwords, phone passcodes, etc. safely stored and accessible to trusted family/friends.
  • Have online usernames and passwords in a secure location for a trusted contact/executor. At a minimum, make sure they are written down in a safe place but do consider a reputable password manager software. Consider Roboform, 1Password, Lastpass. Your unique situation can determine if a free solution works or you need something more robust in a paid subscription.
  • Establish a legacy contact on Facebook and other sites that allow it. A legacy contact can make decisions about memorializing your profile, how to respond to tributes, or to request removal of the profile.
  • Include a ‘digital estate plan’ with your will and power of attorney.

COVID also left 40 million Americans unemployed at least temporarily. As those job seekers look for new opportunities, many turn to LinkedIn for networking. This can be more difficult with many outdated profiles on LinkedIn. I’ve seen many examples of people who start fresh when leaving one employer. That may be because a profile was “hacked” or they didn’t want to be identified with a bad experience, or simple oversight. These dormant profiles may seem like no big deal, but I would worry about them being bait for hackers who know you aren’t paying attention. If you don’t want to update/maintain a profile from a previous employer, you can delete/deactivate. Here’s a link to instructions on how to do that, even if you don’t have access to the original email account or password. It’s a little dated but should help.

I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma. It’s supposed to be quite eye-opening to concepts of technology addiction, social engineering, and surveillance capitalism. Yowza! If you’ve seen it, share some feedback. I will be watching in the next few days and look forward to the discussion.

Here are a few links if you’d like to research further:

https://beyond.life/help-centre/admin-legal/social-media-accounts-loved-one-dies/

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/get-your-digital-accounts-ready-in-case-of-death/

https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-prepare-your-digital-life-for-your-death

 

 

tiktok

Can Microsoft save TikTok?

tiktokTikTok is relatively new to the social media landscape. And it could be gone next month.

The US government recently gave the Chinese internet company ByteDance 45 days to sell TikTok or the app will be banned in the United States. Microsoft is negotiating to purchase the app, but serious competitors are moving in to steal its audience.

TikTok has been under scrutiny in the U.S. and around the world for months now over concerns that the Chinese government can access its user data.

India banned TikTok at the end of June, citing data security concerns. This was a massive blow, as India’s 200 million users were the company’s largest market outside of China. The app was banned on many U.S. government smartphones in 2019, and in early July, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the U.S. was considering banning the app.

In late July, President Trump’s reelection campaign started running ads against TikTok on Instagram and Facebook. The ads state, “TikTok is spying on you,” and “WARNING: China is spying on you.” They lead viewers to a petition to ban the platform in the United States.

However, TikTok reportedly has more than 100 million U.S. users. Banning the app might result in anger toward the administration ahead of the presidential election. Allowing a company like Microsoft to purchase the app might be a win-win for the administration and for TikTok.

Such an acquisition would make Microsoft a major competitor in the social media market. Microsoft already owns LinkedIn and Xbox, but does not have a service that can compete with Facebook, Snapchat, or Twitter.

TikTok also recently launched TikTok for Business to increase the app’s appeal to advertisers. And if Microsoft successfully purchases the app, it could secure TikTok as a key platform for advertisers to reach young people.

Though Microsoft might keep the app in the United States, scores of TikTok creators and users have already left the app and found alternatives.

One rival, Triller, recently passed TikTok and Snapchat in the app stores. TikTok stars with tens of millions of followers have migrated to Triller. Many celebrities such as Cardi B, Chance the Rapper, and Eminem have used the app to spread their music.  Triller has also raised hundreds of millions of dollars from investors. The company plans to use these funds to boost its marketing, improve its platform, and entice TikTok influencers to join the app.

Meanwhile, Byte, a new app by one of the creators of Vine, has seen a surge in downloads. On July 9, Byte passed TikTok in the Apple App Store, with 622,000 installations.  The app’s audience is mostly Millennials and members of Gen Z who are fans of Vine, but it is also gaining users at TikTok’s expense. Dom Hofmann, Byte’s creator and one of the founders of Vine, aims to avoid the pitfalls that led to Vine’s demise in 2016. This includes ensuring that revenue is shared with content creators on the app.  Byte lacks many of the features of TikTok, although the company has announced new updates which will give its users more options.

Both Byte and Triller’s downloads spiked at the end of July but their audiences are still far smaller than TikTok’s 800 million users. However, there is a TikTok competitor that already has a large audience: Facebook.

Facebook plans to compete in this arena with its new Instagram Reels. Unlike Byte, which emulates Vine, Instagram Reels will be more like a copy of TikTok.

Facebook plans to release Reels in the U.S. in early August. The company has already tested the feature in India, France, and Germany. On July 20, The Economic Times reported that Facebook signed a licensing agreement with the Indian Performing Rights Society. This will give Facebook and Instagram users access to music they can incorporate into videos they create on the platforms.

If Reels takes any substantial share of TikTok’s market, it will strengthen Facebook’s dominance over social media’s largest and most diverse audiences. For marketers, this would be another reason to invest in social media and digital advertising on Facebook’s platforms.

It’s still uncertain whether Facebook, Byte, or Triller will successfully topple TikTok, especially if Microsoft successfully acquires it. Marketers and advertisers should follow these companies to ensure they effectively reach young audiences.

 

James Neidhardt is currently a member of the SCG’s Amplify Team.

 

snapr pic

Check Out These Cool Networking Tools

Shapr app
Shapr Interface

Many traditional business practices over the past few decades have evolved into having some sort of digital or mobile alternative. Technology is continuously creating new ways to do just about everything, including networking. What used to consist of simply shaking hands and in-person conversation has also hit the digital world with the emergence of social sites such as LinkedIn and some cool networking tools.

 

Although they can provide a way to foster a professional connection that would be otherwise difficult to attain, the way people use social platforms in general can take away the true intention which is to develop a personal relationship that is mutually beneficial.  If you are trying to connect with someone for a specific reason, they may accept your request, but they could have also accepted any number of people that day and now you’re just another connection they may or may not interact with.

 

The good news is, there are many tools out there in addition to LinkedIn that can be used for meeting people and networking, and they take a different approach compared to traditional social and networking platforms. They aim to create an experience that encourages people to go beyond the platforms to actually meet with people for lunch, coffee or at an event to form a genuine professional relationship.

 

Some of them are specific to certain kinds of meetings or interactions like Extendee and Let’s Lunch, while others, like Shapr, are a tool simply for networking with people in the area.  One of the more specific-use platforms, Extendee, is used to meet people that are attending the same conferences, festivals, marathons or any other type of event. You can then begin a conversation with like-minded people before even getting to the event, or even share a ride from the airport to the venue. The most important element that the Extendee boasts is maximizing ROI. When you have invested time and money into traveling to and attending an event, you want to get the most out of it, and Extendee helps you do that.

 

Another one is called Let’s Lunch, which has a mission to empower people to get more out of their lunch time in a unique way. Let’s Lunch connects you to companies that you could go have lunch with and experience the company culture and even discover job opportunities. Forbes said, “while there are a lot of incredible tools and resources that make it easier to network with people from all over the world, there’s still nothing quite like Let’s Lunch.”

 

The platform that I have interacted with the most is the Shapr app. The easiest way to describe it is to say it is similar to Tinder or Bumble, but for professional networking. It has a very similar interface and you swipe left for “no” and right for “yes” on the people you come across.  The app shows you approximately 15 people per day based on your location, but there is more to it. You can log in using LinkedIn, and the algorithm also uses your professional experience and tagged interests. So, if you are interested in entrepreneurship, technology and marketing, you can make that a part of your profile and Shapr shows you people that are also interested in those topics.

 

According to the app’s founder, Ludovic Huraux, the limit of 15 is important to the central idea of Shapr which is to “make networking a habit.” The limit forces people to come back daily and people don’t have the ability to swipe through tons of people every day, which would diminish the impact and effect of the app.

 

In the Shapr app, you swipe anonymously and get notified when both people swipe yes, and then a conversation can be started. Unlike some other platforms, it is less focused on sales or jobs and instead intended to cultivate relationships and get people to meet up offline.  The app has been used by all sorts of people, from company executives to entrepreneurs, recruiters, and students looking for some guidance or mentorship.  Shapr is great for finding people and simply starting a conversation.  If you are not looking for a specific type of meeting or for people going to a certain event, you might use Extendee or Let’s Lunch instead.

 

I stumbled upon Shapr from a social media post and thought it sounded very interesting so I downloaded it right away. I began using it and swiping through people without much of an expectation. I was interested in talking to people working in the marketing field who could offer some career advice. I was able to speak with people in the industry who were more than willing to provide some insight on their own career path.  That is why the Shapr app is an excellent tool for more personal (but still professional) networking. Instead of a pool of thousands at your fingertips, Shapr shows you a limited amount everyday based on what your profile says you are interested in.

 

These tools put a spin on networking on bigger platforms which gives you a pool of thousands at your fingertips. They are more focused, and most users are looking for some insight just as much as they are willing to share knowledge and guidance, which is what makes them powerful.  Most users are looking for help just as much as they are willing to share knowledge and guidance, which is what makes these tools so great.

 

Facebook security

Is it time to quit Facebook? Both users and brands are wondering.

Facebook security

Privacy has always been a concern for users on social media and across the internet, but these issues have come into the spotlight amidst recent reports of the Cambridge Analytica data scandal. And both users and brands are wondering is it finally time to dump Facebook. Across Twitter, #DeleteFacebook began trending. Celebrities made announcements that they were leaving Facebook. Several big name brands including Mozilla and Sonos temporarily suspended their Facebook advertising.

 

But what does this really mean for marketers? Should you pull back on your Facebook ad spending right now? Here are four reasons why companies should not be afraid to continue business as usual on Facebook.

 

1. Only a small number of people are leaving Facebook.

There are still over two billion users on the world’s largest social media platform, whose daily lives are entwined with Facebook. Although people are concerned, most are taking steps to be more cautious about data being shared rather than outright deleting their accounts.

 

Few companies are making changes to their ad spending as a result of the news, at least for now. According to Pathmatics, digital intelligence platform, of the top 1,000 ad spends on Facebook, only seven pulled ad spending following the Cambridge Analytica reports.

 

2. Facebook has been through issues before – and survived.

Facebook has already begun to make changes, including removing 3rd party data providers from its ad targeting, pausing all messenger bots and developing a new certification tool for marketers to guarantee email addresses used for ad targeting. Right now, Facebook’s priority will be to actively pursue solutions to earn back the trust of consumers.

 

Last year when Google-owned YouTube came under fire for showing brand ads next to hate speech and offensive content, brands boycotted YouTube but returned after a few months because of their quick response to remedy the situation. YouTube did not suffer any losses in earnings or growth.

 

3. Facebook advertising works.

The effectiveness of Facebook advertising has always been due to its hyper-targeting abilities. As the demand for transparency increases and access to data is limited, marketers may have to get more creative with targeting and begin to rethink their digital strategies, but as long as Facebook ads continue to deliver results, brands will continue to use it.

 

4. It could have happened to anyone.

This is the time we live in and privacy has been the tradeoff for the benefits of technology. And while the target is on Facebook right now, this is an overall consumer privacy issue across all digital media that needs to be addressed.

 

At the end of the day, leaving Facebook is a personal decision. As an ad agency, our job is to stay educated on the matter, monitor the situation closely for further fallout and help our clients determine the best strategy moving forward. And for brands, unless enough users leave or if the targeting regulations hurt performance, there is no reason to panic.

 

Regarding your personal account, learn ways to protect your data here.

 

Read more here:

http://adage.com/article/digital/marketers-wrangle-cambridge-analytica-fallout/312932/

https://marketingland.com/advertisers-didnt-leave-youtube-and-they-wont-leave-facebook-237063

https://www.impactbnd.com/blog/should-you-delete-your-facebook-account

social media afterlife

3 Ways PR Job Seekers Can Enhance Their Digital Footprint

digital footprint

 

You’ve heard it again and again — when applying for jobs and internships, make sure your social media and is pristine and appropriate. (You don’t want your Instagram or your digital footprint to speak louder than your resume.) This is especially true for aspiring public relations professionals: if you can’t manage your own social media properly, how can an agency expect you to manage a client’s?

This is why so many internship and job seekers are told to go through and delete any unsavory content, ensure their profile pictures put their best self forward, and make their social profiles private if necessary. Cleaning up your social media is a must, but with public relations positions as competitive as they are, there may be another step needed.

Take charge and create your own digital footprint:  an entirely new online identity that focuses not on your crazy nights out, but who you are and what you bring to the table as a professional.  You may not want potential employers to find your personal content, so provide an opportunity for employers to get a sense of who you are professionally.

Create a job seeking / professional social media account

Creating a professional Twitter or Instagram to demonstrate your social abilities can set you above the competition. You may be protecting yourself by making all your accounts private, but you’re also missing an opportunity to show how you’re able to manage social media profiles, stay in the loop about industry trends, and engage with brands. If that’s something you want to highlight, consider creating an Instagram or Twitter account specifically for that purpose. Retweet articles about industry trends, show off your amazing graphic design/photography skills, and show that PR is more than just a career for you – it’s a passion.

Online Portfolio or Blog

The reason many hiring managers research candidates is because they want to get a sense of the person behind the resume. What’s their personality? What kind of energy would they bring to the role? If you provide everything a manager could possibly need to know upfront and demonstrate all the creative ways you could contribute, they won’t have to look you up. So create an online portfolio or blog to show off your writing skills, share information about yourself, articulate your ideas and perspectives, and outline all the great experience you’d bring to an employer.

Leveraging LinkedIn

Every young professional should have a LinkedIn account. This platform has so many opportunities for those who invest time in using it. You can connect with those in your dream role, post relevant articles, comment on industry leader’s posts, and write/publish your own content. Being able to share an impressive and engaging LinkedIn profile with a potential employer is a plus.

So, once you’ve made sure your social media content is appropriate, consider creating an entirely new digital footprint. How are you making yourself stand out?

Businesswoman Searching Online Job In Office

It’s Time to Stop Calling Them Passive Job Seekers

passive job seekersIn the world of recruitment, we use the terms “Active and Passive Job Seeker,” to differentiate between people who are actively searching for jobs, whether out of work or ready for a change, and those who are currently employed, but may be convinced to consider another opportunity.

Before the Internet and social media, candidates had to work hard to find and apply to jobs. But with technology leading to greater access coupled with people changing jobs more frequently, I propose that a new term needs to be implemented. Call it the “Always Looking” Job Seeker, the “Semi-Active” Job Seeker, the “Opportunistic” Job Seeker.

The word passive is outdated. As long as you have a smartphone, you always have the ability to look for job opportunities. A recent Indeed study (Talent Attraction Study: What Matters to the Modern Candidate) demonstrates how job seekers have changed:

  • 71% of workers admit to active job searching or at least openness to a new opportunity. This statistic shows that passive job seekers are no longer the majority.
  • 50% of adults who earn between $100,000 and $110,000 start reviewing new job opportunities within just 28 days of the start of their current role
  • Among all employed adults, 65% look at new opportunities within 3 months of starting their new job.
  • 58% of workers look at other jobs at least every month. 18% review job openings daily.
  • 44% of adults subscribe to job alerts, which deliver notifications right to your inbox

 

Switching jobs has become more common, especially among millennials and younger generations. Currently employed millennials typically plan to stay in their current role for only a year or two. They may not be actively job seeking, but would be willing to switch for a better opportunity, whether that means better perks, better advancement potential, a greater feeling of purpose or something else.

Targeted email job alerts with matching and learning technology, such as ZipRecruiter, allow individuals to keep an eye on possible job opportunities without lifting a finger. Social media sites and niche online communities like Stack Overflow for developers, allow potential job seekers to learn about company culture, values and opportunities, where they are already spending their time online.

As the passive and active job candidate line becomes more blurred, companies need to utilize a mix of tools including social media, job alerts, specialty niche communities and referrals to reach these “in-between” candidates.