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Not too long ago, I heard a college professor say that he has observed that older people interact with technology differently from younger people. Others have argued that younger people are better with technology than older people. Wait there’s more! Just last week I listened to a Social Media Strategy and Tactics presentation by AU students. They boldly took on these issues in their presentation. They compared and contrasted how older generations interact with technology and social media compared to the younger generations.

At the end of the day, it is clear to me that a difference exists between the generations. What isn’t so clear is whether these differences support the arguments and conclusions that many are now making. Does these differences mean better or worse, good or bad, ability or disability? Is not the important thing that each person, each generation, each age category gets what they want out of technology? Is this not the essential premise of “Uses and Grats?” I don’t know about you, but no matter the perceived differences in the pattern of use or style of engagement, as long as each person or generation get what they want, I assess that both generation are equally good.

After all, what is good if not the satisfaction of a desired end-state? Chime in and let me know what you think. Do you agree, disagree or don’t even care? Talk to me.  I’d love to hear it.

More later as life unfolds…

Blessings,

Jones

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Everywhere you look these days somebody somewhere is saying something in praise of social media. They talk endlessly about its strengths, its advantages and its many tremendous opportunities it offers to individuals and for groups.

Above and beyond that, they say that social media provide historic opportunity to work for the common good. I recently read an article that talked about how socially aware individuals are using their increased social media connection to address some of the world’s biggest challenges. The article talked about Wikipedia, about global choirs being conducted over YouTube, about coral reefs being crocheted across continents, and crowd-sourced art paying tribute to Jonny Cash. In fact, the possibilities are infinite.

I personally have no problem understanding or celebrating all of these blessed opportunities made available by social media. The capabilities and opportunities offered by the contemporary social media is crystal clear. What isn’t so clear are its potential liabilities for today and tomorrow. While we seek to leverage the advantages provided by social media, we should also work to understand, acknowledge and act proactively to mitigate its potential liabilities. To do otherwise will be foolishness instead of wisdom.

Or maybe we think that social media is a liability neutral capability. What are your thoughts? Please take a moment to chime in.

More later as life unfolds…

Jones

I recently shared an article titled, “The Other Social Networks That Matter in Asia” with my twitter followers. I did so because the article raised some interesting point that I believe is relevant to any serious social media tactician, operator or strategist.

Here is a brief summary of that piece. First, the article says without saying that Facebook is neither monolithic nor invincible in an ever evolving social media landscape. The article highlights a number of potential competitions that are stripping away Facebook’s asymmetric advantage. The article refers to options like Path, Plurk, Instagram, Google’s Orkut, Zing, Kakao Talk, sLine, Qzone, Wechat, Sina Weibo, Momo etc. In light of this reality, the article asserts that it is a wise idea for companies and communicators to look beyond Facebook in order to connect with ever increasing global social media users. Finally, the article points out that the increasing popularity of these emerging social media options may indicate a diminishing of Facebook’s popularity with global users. Additionally, it may also be a foretoken of the trajectory of what the future social media landscape will look like.

Is the article right in these assessments? Only time will tell. Be that as it may, I personally do not think that Facebook face any immediate danger. This is certainly not a guarantee for all eternity as Facebook may eventually assume a much greater risk if it does act proactively to re-posture itself for future success. At least that is my assessment. What is your assessment?

Does Facebook have much to be worried about? Please take a moment to comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

More later as life unfolds…

Jones