Social media is widely used all across the world. According to statistics, nearly 60% of people use social media (including roughly 93% of internet users). But not everyone uses it the same way. Some people adopt a more “stalker” persona; they constantly look at the Facebook pages of others but they rarely, if ever, post themselves. Some post constantly, practically giving people a minute-by-minute replay of their day-to-day lives. Most people fall somewhere between the two extremes. When it comes to those who are posters, there are several reasons why updating a social media status is so appealing, including the following:
To Find Themselves
There is a certain type of comfort that social media affords those looking to define their identities. From the safety of a living room couch, the likes of Instagram and Facebook allow people the option to foster whatever image they want. They can even reinvent themselves or pretend to be someone else if they so desire.
For Personal Validation
Let’s face it, as humans, we all want validation…from friends, coworkers, family members, and social media followers. Posting online helps give us the validation we seek. From people laughing at a humorous post we wrote to complimenting a photo of a new haircut to asking about the lasagna we’ve whipped up for dinner, social media satisfies our inner narcissist, something everyone has whether we admit it or not.
To Support Companies and Causes
Social media is often used to solicit recommendations and support, suggestions on everything from plumbers to podiatrists and requests for everything from animal shelter donations to a neighbor’s GoFundMe. This gives people an outlet to be helpful and get involved in companies or causes they care about.
To Stay Connected
While it’s certainly possible to stay in touch with old friends, distant cousins, and your third-grade soccer coach without social media, online platforms make it a whole lot easier. Because Facebook, Instagram, and other sites allow users to share anything, from the births of children to new careers, keeping up with those you love is practically effortless.
To Offer Valuable Content
Businesses use social media as their main outlet for conveying valuable information to consumers, clients, and customers; it’s a vital part of marketing their company. Offering valuable content, however, is not limited to the commercial; individuals do this, as well. Everyone wants their content to be valuable no matter what it is. After all, it’s the valuable content that gets noticed.
If you need some guidance on social media or anything else, give us a shout and we’ll be happy to help.