Social Media’s Impact on Storytelling
As a public relations major and student journalist, I have learned about the importance of storytelling and how to tell stories using creative platforms and programs. I’ve also become aware of how fast communication evolves. Social media is a product and an example of that evolution. What some see as a nuisance can be a tool that allows anyone to share their story. Here are three ways social media makes storytelling easier:
1. Timely News
Social media is the most popular news platform among 18 to 34-year-olds in the United States as they used social networks for news on a daily basis. Since social media is convenient for most users and can be used on the go, news outlets utilize social media to announce breaking stories and see the public’s reaction to certain news. This means the public gets news quicker and the impact of the news can be seen through likes, comments and shares across platforms. Timeliness is crucial for the world of storytelling and social media makes it that much easier.
2. Human Interest
Social media has become much more than a place to drop a selfie or your vacation photos. According to the Social Shepherd, 90% of consumers use their mobile devices to watch video content while 96% of people turn to videos to learn about products and services. Social media has become a space of refuge as many visit YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook to find engaging digital content that fits their wants and needs. This type of storytelling is more personal, easier to consume and quicker to get messages across.
3. Algorithms
Algorithms play a part in the human interest aspect as “skimming through all posts on an account-by-account basis would be difficult without social media algorithms.” Algorithms help filter out low-quality content and showcase what is most important to its user based off their news feed preferences. As users are constantly provided with content that is newsworthy, this optimizes the way storytelling is distributed.
The ability for everyone to tell their story is made possible by social media. More good than bad can come from it if we know how to use it to our advantage.
Do you need help telling your story or getting your social media marketing on track? The Communications Group can help. Check out our services to see how we can help you.
