How to Predict the Future of Social Media (in 150 words or less)

by Jason Rivera, Director Consumer Insights

Fact: Humans need to feel emotionally fulfilled. It’s a part of our genetic makeup. Whether or not they know it, many consumers exert this need through social media. Making new friends, reconnecting with old ones, seeing pics from your friend’s brother’s roommate’s party last Saturday – it allows humans to feel interconnected, loved and part of emotionally beneficial relationships – however shallow they may be manifested. Twitter, MySpace, Facebook and the like aren’t the only social networking models that will exist. The next big thing is right around the corner. What that is, we don’t know, but we know for sure if it’s going to be successful, it will have a way for consumers to exercise their feelings in a way that outdoes the current crop of popular sites. So to predict the future, all you have to do is follow your heart. When it flitters with excitement over some URL you’ve stumbled across, you might just be onto something.