Why Everyone is Wrong About New Social Platforms
The uncomfortable truth is that the emergence of new social platforms will not solve the fundamental issues plaguing social media. As outlined by Chelsea Alves in Search Engine Journal, trust in established platforms is eroding, and user behavior is increasingly unpredictable. The real problem isn't a lack of options; it's the underlying model that prioritizes attention over meaningful engagement. The future of social media isn't about new apps but rather about how and where people connect, influenced by fragmentation and AI.
Stop Doing This: Chasing the Next Big Thing
Brands are caught in a relentless cycle of chasing new platforms, hoping for a miracle fix. This is a misguided strategy. New platforms like Tangle may promise to address user frustrations with fewer ads and better moderation, but history shows that as these platforms scale, they succumb to the same monetization pressures that plague their predecessors. The reality is that growth necessitates monetization, which often translates to more ads and less nuance in user interactions.
The Shifting Dynamics of Consumer Behavior
Social media is evolving beyond traditional platforms. Users are increasingly discovering brands through diverse channels like TikTok, Reddit, and Discord, where authentic conversations occur. For instance, 43% of adults under 30 now rely on TikTok for news, highlighting a significant shift in how consumers engage with information. This trend indicates that brands must adapt their strategies to meet consumers where they are, rather than relying solely on conventional social media.
Why AI is the New Social Layer
AI is not just a tool; it is becoming the new intermediary in social interactions. Users will soon encounter AI-generated summaries of conversations, allowing for quicker access to relevant information. This shift will simplify the user experience but risks oversimplifying complex discussions. As AI determines which voices and opinions are amplified, brands must navigate this new landscape carefully to ensure they are not lost in the noise.
What Marketers Must Embrace Moving Forward
The old social media playbook is dead. Marketers must stop fixating on arbitrary metrics like likes and impressions. Instead, they should focus on creating relevant content that resonates with their audience. Building trust through engagement, responding to feedback, and showcasing expertise are now paramount. This means fostering a culture of participation and being proactive in conversations that matter.
The Bottom Line: Adapt or Die
Social media is not disappearing, but its rules are being rewritten. Brands that cling to outdated strategies will find themselves irrelevant. The next era of social media is unfolding, driven by behavioral shifts rather than platform innovations. Winning brands will be those that understand how and why people connect, earning trust through meaningful interactions and adapting to the evolving landscape of consumer behavior.
Source: Search Engine Journal