Social Media Update: Dear #Facebook Users, You Can Now Use #Hashtags
June 14th, 2013 by Nicole
facebook hashtags
The social media giant Facebook announced Wednesday that it will now use the #hashtag feature on its network. The #hashtag feature is so popular on Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, and Pinterest that Facebook could not resist – what took them so long?! “In fact, the company said, there were around 1.5 million posts referencing the now-infamous “Game of Thrones’s” ‘Red Wedding’ episodeon HBO (Note: link definitely contains spoilers) — a particularly impressive number when compared with the audience of 5.2 million who tuned into the episode.” (via Washington Post)
facebook hashtags
facebook hashtags
Hashtags is the # symbol with a word or phrase to follow (ex. #divasanddorks) that you want to tag for easy searching and tracking pics and conversations in a social media feed. It’s a quick way of getting through the weeds and finding the content you want instantly. In Facebook the hashtag will let you track and follow conversations that originated in Facebook and Instagram (Facebook owns Instagram). Already used by millions on Twitter and Instagram, hashtags are now open to almost a billion people on Facebook – whew! Hopefully, Facebook’s organization of the hashtags will be categorized by your feed and then globally. Facebook also announced that in the near future they will include trending hashtags. Although Facebook has more users than Twitter, Twitter is the leader for real-time quick content and quickly getting your voice heard. So adding the hashtag feature is how Facebook will start to build-in real-time content tracking.
facebook hashtags
Tell a Diva what you think about Facebook’s new feature. Happy tagging!
How To Successfully Quit Your Social Media Addiction
May 31st, 2013 by ChristenAre you addicted to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter? Do you have a social media addiction that has completely taken over your life? Earlier this week, I shared how to identify your Tweetaholism (Noun. An addiction to the consumption of social media via Twitter or the mental illness and compulsive behavior resulting from Twitter dependency.) via Top Ten Reasons You May Be A Tweetaholic… If you find yourself having one or more of the common warning signs of being addicted to Twitter, it’s okay. There’s hope for a speedy recovering – but only if you follow these tips on battling your social media addiction below.
5. Own up to your Twitter addiction. Yes, it’s a cliche that half the battle is admitting the problem but not acknowledging it means you won’t change the addictive behavior. And before you rush to tweet that you have a Twitter addiction, by all means admit it to yourself but remember that there’s no need to tell the world.
4. Introduce your road to recovery. If you must say something about toning down your Twitter use, lay it on in much more general terms, such as:
“Got a novel to finish. You won’t see much of me here for a bit.”
“Giving birth tomorrow. Since I’m no supermom, you won’t see me around till I know how to parent.”
“Tweeting less ‘coz I’ve discovered marathon running. Off to train!”
3. Plan your Twitter time. If you’re inwardly groaning about how any person could ever “plan” the use of what is essentially a spontaneous medium, you’re right. Twitter works because of its spontaneity. Allow yourself a set amount of time every day, reserved for Twitter.
Suggested: 15 minutes every 3 hours, or one single block of an hour a day when everything else is taken care of. Set precise tweeting times. This is different from the previous suggestion in that you can set a time every day, say 12:30PM to send one tweet message. Stick the to exact allotted times. Check when your tweets have the most impact. Using only high-impact times can lessen your daily usage. Choose your time to coincide only with the time of most impact; this will vary depending on where you live and your interests.
2. Set aside “pure Twitter time”. This means avoiding use of Twitter as something you can do while multitasking, such as watching TV, reading your exam notes, or writing articles about quitting Twitter.
1. Spend time away from TMI (too-much-information). The constant bombardment of messages can induce a sense of constant hyper-awareness that keeps you on edge, in need of reacting and worrying over things you can’t, on the whole, change. Give yourself information free time, chilling under some trees, or down at the gym, or wherever your favorite quiet spot is. Without your phone. Maybe even take a social media hiatus by completing a summer bucket list like Ty of GorgeousInGrey.com – there’s no time like the present to get started.
Now that you have a step-by-step guide to successfully quit your social media addiction, what are you waiting for? Unplug from the grid and enjoy living addiction free this summer! But first, make sure to share this post with your family and friends via Facebook or Twitter…(Hey, I’m not an enabler – I’m just trying to help you help others too!)
African Americans and Social Media – The Numbers and Networks
May 15th, 2013 by Nicole
You’re on social media, your friends and family are too. What about the rest? What are African Americans’ numbers in the world of social media? Read some interesting stats and comparisons:
According to a Pew Research Study, African Americans are the largest users of Twitter and Instagram. They are usually, young adults between 18-29 years old, women, and urban residents.
”Twitter, Instagram are popular among blacks. Among black Internet users, 26% use Twitter, far outpacing whites (14%) and Hispanics (19%). In August 2011, 18% of black Internet users were using Twitter.” (usatoday.com)
African Americans and Social Media – The Landscape of Social Media Users
· Urban African-Americans aged 18-29 use Twitter and Instagram more than other demographics. While the study does not include Americans under age 18, I believe many high school students use both heavily.
· Tumblr is a young person’s medium. Most users are aged 18-29.
· Hispanics are heavy users of every social media channel. They are more likely to use social networking sites than Caucasians or African-Americans.
· Urbanity plays a role. Slightly more social media users live in urban environments than suburban or rural ones. Significantly more Twitter, Instagram and Facebook users live in urban areas than other environments. (ragan.com)
Did you notice that the households with the lowest income use social media the most? Why do you think that is?
The study also suggests that women as a whole dominate social media. So why Twitter and Instagram?
These social media platforms are influential, free, accessible, and have a far reach. Wayne Sutton of socialwayne.com has said Twitter enables a level playing field in getting voices heard. Twitter provides an equal channel where one can get their opinions heard and broadcast their thoughts. Users have somewhat of a direct connection to brands, artists, and support.
Another reason why African Americans lead the way in social media interaction is because of their increasing numbers in the use of smart phones. 54% of African Americans own smart phones, which leads to the use of social media apps and consumerism.
Celebs Get Into Gig It – Facebook’s Newest Star Powered Game
May 1st, 2013 by ChristenLast night in New York City, Lala Anthony & DJ Khaled hosted to the launch of the video game Gig IT. Featuring special performances by Nas, 2 Chainz, Fabolous, Miguel, Allison Park, Elle Varner and special appearances by Jamie Foxx, Ne-Yo, (VH1′s Love & Hip Hop’s) Singer K-Michelle (ATL) & Tarhiry (NYC), Busta Rhymes and more!
Check out some of the red carpet arrivals to last night’s launch below…
Jaimie Foxx arrives for the celebration of Gig IT
Co-host DJ Khaled and Rick Ross arrives for the celebration of Gig IT
Singer Marsha Ambrosus arrives for the celebration of Gig IT
Sean Kingston arrives for the celebration of Gig IT
T-Pain arrives for the celebration of Gig IT
Nas, Rick Ross, K Michelle & T- Pain
VH1′s Love & Hip Hop’s Tahiry looked fab as the Gig It red carpet correspondent
Gig IT goes by the motto “Your Music. Your Stage. Your Gig.” The application is the first of it’s kind to be launched exclusively on Facebook in early May. Gig IT will be the first and only virtual 3D concert game for Facebook that will bring together Social Media, Music, Fashion, and Gaming into a single platform. The application dares players to create the most innovative and unique social gaming experience for the music world.
“We’ve got so many performances, it feels like the Grammys!” - Lala Anthony
Gig It performance by Elle Varner
Gig It special appearance by Busta Rhymes
Gig It Performance by Miguel
Gig It Facebook launch Gig It Facebook launch Gig It Facebook launc
“Today, a large chunk of the music business is about social interaction and connecting with our fan base in an unique way,” says 2 Chainz. “GIG-IT’s launch onto Facebook is the perfect blend of just that and gives our fans a new way of connecting beyond just listening to our music.”
2Chainz
Players will be able to customize every aspect of the concert such as the music, backup dancers, speakers, opening act, headline performers, wardrobes, sponsors and venue. They will then have the option to share their creations with their friends and followers on Facebook, turning the game into a music-discovery experience.
“This ain’t no farm.”
That’s the motto GIG-IT CEO John Acunto and his team have given the game, taking a jab at and differentiating itself from popular Facebook game FarmVille, FarmVille 2 and similar games.
More than 50 artists have partnered with GIG-IT to become selectable players in the game. Other than the musicians mentioned above, GIG-IT told Mashable the roster includes Flo Rida, Miguel, Rick Ross, Talib Kweli, Sean Kingston, MGK, Tyga, Slaughter House, Joe Budden and more.
In a similar fashion to the ever-popular SIM’s game, you construct your own 3D concert. Fans can pick everything from the performing artist, to their wardrobes, to the concert’s official sponsors and venue location. Gig IT provides each user with a fully customized experience they’ll never forget.
Of course a launch with as much star power as this would be compared to The Grammys, a room filled with hip hop’s elite and major players from the music & entertainment industry galore made for an unforgettable Tuesday night in NYC.
Images courtesy of GIG-IT, Wenn
The Banjo App Is The New Vision Of Social Discovery
March 14th, 2013 by Rod
What is the Banjo App?
Banjo is not new but more than likely new to you. It is a social discovery app that uses GPS data along with social network info to find nearby contacts/friends. You might ask why would I want to use this?
How Does the Banjo App Work?
Banjo populates info from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, FourSquare, Google+, and LinkedIn and keep you updated with your contacts/friends. It also provides a map view to locate any of your connections near and far, all in real-time. Banjo even notifies you of any nearby friends. The app seeks to replace your need to use the fore mentioned apps separately. Banjo is now 4 million users strong!
“Banjo is the fun way to explore what’s happening anywhere in the world right now.”
In time for the many live events, and friend meet-ups at SXSW, Banjo announced version 3.3 of their app. With this update, event location and content are synced to provide a more “real time” feed. Just because you’re not close to an event, it doesn’t mean that your feed won’t show it. It shows real-time information from all the social networks at the same time.
In case you didn’t make it out to SXSW this year, you can follow Divas and Dorks Publisher Christen Rochon or any other friends to give you a social feel of what you missed.
What Does Your Social Media Personality Say About You?
February 6th, 2013 by Christen
If you’re on popular social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, you can probably group friends into categories based on their online behavior. There’s the vaguebooker (also known as the “sub-tweeter”). The humblebragger. The guy that won’t stop talking about politics. And the one who spoils every good scene on your favorite TV show (also known as the “spoiler”.) So what does your social media personality say about you?
This social behavior study by MyLife, was conducted among 890 adults ages 18 and older and there’s a good chance you fit into one of these personas. In fact, if you’re a young parent, there’s a 88% chance you are posting pictures of your kids or talking about parenting at least once a month. Not to mention 25% of users are “vaguebooking” by posting intentionally vague updates which encourage people to react and inquire for more details. (Still interested to see what your social media personality says about you? Read more below…)
The infographic also has some interesting findings about searching behaviors on social media sites too. In fact, nearly 25% of men under the age of 35 admit to looking at a former girlfriend’s social media profile page once a month. Women do this less often (20%). What’s your social networking persona? Discover the truth within the infographic below…
Post via Images via iStockphoto, CWLawrence and MyLife.com
Discover 5 Ways Social Media Can Actually Improve Your Relationships
February 1st, 2013 by Lifestyle StaffTechnology and social media have been said to ruin relationships, and as of late this theory has skyrocketed. We’re bold enough to say, however, that if technology is able to tear your relationship down to its foundation, it may not have been strong in the first place. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Skype are not necessarily the enemy of monogamous relationships (they’re just the ones who bare the blunt of the blame.) Contrary to popular belief, they can actually help relationships – Don’t believe us? Check out a few ways technology and social media can be used to keep a healthy relationship below.
Now we’re no relationship experts, however we have found some tips from our own experiences and seeing what works in other successful relationships. These tips are also taken from lessons learned from observing couples that allowed social media to affect their relationships negatively. It should also be noted that these tips are for those with the goal of monogamy!
Have fun.
If this is the person you may spend the rest of your life with, you should be able to have fun with them. Tell jokes and laugh a lot. Send them all the funny e-cards and quotes that remind you of your partner, even if it’s about their smelly feet! Use your smart phones as tools to have fun together. Challenge your boo in a game of Words with Friends, even if you are sitting right across the room from each other or miles apart.
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Don’t just have date nights, enjoy every night.
Last week I read a blog from a writer who does not believe in date nights with her husband of 9 years. Going into the read I was thrown off by the title “I Don’t Believe in Date Night” but as I continued to read, it all made sense. Couples should enjoy all of their time together, even if they were just arguing with one another. Having a set date night could set the pattern that this will be the only time you both enjoy each other’s company. Use different ‘best of’ apps like Yelp, Happy Hours, and Places to find new and spontaneous outings for regular nights when you both have down time.
Keep your individuality, but limit social media usage.
You can still be on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. even when you’re in a relationship. Use it to send funny and sweet e-cards like mentioned above. Send them flirty messages as if you were just getting to know each other- you know, role play! However, you can’t be obsessed with social media as when you were single. Keep in mind that you now have to manage how much time you spend on social media. Also, don’t leave your friends behind. It’s actually healthy if your partner knows your friends and you all hang out together, they’ll feel more included. Furthermore, it’ll be no suspicions when friends post on your wall.
Communicate.
Communication is key, and with so much technology there is really no excuse! When you’re happy, sad, mad, excited let your partner know. Use your iPhone emojis or e-cards when you don’t have the words. A lot of times the other person doesn’t even know you’re feeling some kind of way, and they certainly should NOT find out through a post or status message. On the contrary, use your status posts to say how much you love them or how happy your boo makes you!
Imagine how special they’ll feel when they stumble upon this. A conversation can fix everything! If you’re both near a computer have a quick Skype chat to work it all out, rather than texting- which can cause confusion of emotions. Most importantly, talk about what you’re both comfortable sharing on social media sites in regards to your relationship and exes, that way you’re in complete agreement and there will be no surprises.
Encourage your partner to be great.
This world can be tough. Having someone to encourage you throughout the day is an amazing feeling. Use Twitter or Facebook to give share some encouraging quotes with your lover. Support all the things they share as well. Don’t just be a “yes man” but actually give feedback. Help them be a better them.
So to be clear, social media itself isn’t to blame for the demise of what was supposed to be happily ever after. Instead, it’s an avenue by which threats can develop if you fail to communicate about them, and one that can heighten problems that already exist. Time to stop blaming social media and use it to your relationship’s advantage! It is possible!
What other ways do you use social media to help your relationship? Tell us below…
Getting On The Vine: Twitter’s New Video Sharing Service IS The New Instagram?
January 25th, 2013 by Christen
Twitter made a huge announcement on Thursday — releasing an app that lets you share 6-second video clips. The new mobile service is called Vine, and it allows users to create and share looping gif-like videos.
“Like Tweets, the brevity of videos on Vine (6 seconds or less) inspires creativity,” the company said in an official blog post. “Now that you can easily capture motion and sound, we look forward to seeing what you create.”
Currently iOS-only, the stop-motion videos can include as many scenes as you can fit in. Video stops and starts when you press on your device’s screen. Your finished product can then be shared just on Vine, or with friends on Twitter or — in theory — Facebook. (Well, that is, until A few moments after Vine’s launch Facebook blocked the service from being able to access your friends lists. *H8TRS*)
I’m wondering how will this affect YouTube views and subscriber services in the future? In the meantime, we’ve created our Vine account and can’t wait to use during the upcoming New York Fashion Week shows. We’ll definitely be bringing clips like this soon:
Vine is available as a separate app, free for download on iPhone and iPod touch devices via the Apple App Store. It’s exclusively on mobile for now. To download the app, click here.
Could Vine become the new Instagram?
Will you be downloading the new Vine app?
What Social Media Trends Are Taking Off in 2013?
December 20th, 2012 by Tech Staff
(Source: TwinEngine. Social media image via Shutterstock.)
Here is what some experts predict:
Social Search - “Search based on social signals. Facebook will change the search game -
They know what people want because they have been collecting data around comments, likes and engagement.” (Stephen Murphy of Get Busy Media)
Contextualizing of Experiences - “Facebook´s latest updates to the open graph will create a ripple effect, allowing companies to create social apps that tap into users’ social real-time actions and engage them in new behaviors. Expect to see real-time contextualizing of experiences, offers and content that go beyond the simple ‘like’ button. For B2B brands, LinkedIn will enable new and more meaningful ways of social engagement.” (Jonas Klit Nielsen)
“The rise of the Online Recommendation Culture – Moms’ rapid embrace of social media translates into blogs, Facebook, and Twitter becoming the new ‘picket fence,’ where Moms connect with one another to make friends, hear trusted recommendations, and gain first-person perspective.” (Stacy DeBroff of Mom Central Consulting)
Mobile is the way of the future to how we communicate across multiple channels to multiple people. To keep us interested there must be cutting edge, sophisticated social/mobile experiences and engagement that will keep us stimulated as well as incentives to keep increasing our usage of social media.
What’s the Latest in Social Media Trends?
December 19th, 2012 by Tech Staff
With all the advantages that mobile devices offer there’s know wonder that social media will continue to explode in the years to come. We reach for our smart phones to send email, text, snap photos, and check social media several times a day. Looking at “The Everyday Life of Today’s Connected Consumer” infograph, we are connected all day everyday with a constant stream data being generated, shared, saved, processed, activated, forwarded, posted, linked, and liked.
Mobile first is the new normal. Fastcompany.com has noted that by 2015 mobile Internet usage will exceed wired Internet usage. Businesses will undoubtedly take advantage of this with better services, engagement, and incentives. Social media and mobile devices are codependent and will continue to rely on each other for the best digital experience.
User Behavior
We have become comfortable with our mobile devices multitasking and roaming the web while also listening to music, posting photos to Instagram and Pinterest, updating our status, and tweeting. No longer are we buying items online via our desktop computer, the trend is moving forward to mobile transactions and financial exchanges at lightning speed. With the advent of PayPal people are starting to buy gifts through social networks and setup storefronts for themselves. Also, we are getting smarter with our online purchases – meaning, the power of digital tools is helping us make better purchasing decisions right at our fingertips. Price comparison has a whole new meaning now and retailers know this. There are so many apps available to find product availability, which retailer has the best price, best time to buy, and whether it is available online or in-store for pickup. Mobile users are now setting the standard of how businesses market their products.
What Media Will Dominate
Media that makes engagement and communication easy, especially be integrating social media platforms and apps. Users of social media have high expectations and limited patience. Content that is available anytime, anyplace, on-demand is what we expect.
Rohit Bhargava calls it the shoptimization of social media, apps that make shopping easier, quicker, and more convenient. Just look at the apps ShopSavvy, Wish Want Wear, Key Ring, and Macy’s in-store GPS. We all want to shop and share what we bought or what great item we found. Retail and software giants are integrating the purchase, exposure, and sharing of items into integrating applications that you can tweet, Instagram, post to Facebook, and ask for advice from your followers.
Banking is another area that is poised to explode in the coming years. As we get more comfortable with banking via a desktop computer online and now via apps, banks are now letting us scan check deposits with our phone without ever having to physically deposit the check. That’s right use your banking app to scan your checks and it instantly post to your account.
Cloud Services – Smart phones, tablets, and cloud services are converging to create an easy, on-demand access to shared software applications for consumers without the need for more space and memory on your mobile device.
Near Field Communications – A set of standards for smart phones to establish radio communications with each other by tapping them together to exchange information or transactions. The new iPhone 5 does not currently have this service, but I predict with new models of most popular smart phones will have this feature.
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