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.
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?
Celebrate Your 2012 In Style With Verizon Wireless #My2012Moment
December 26th, 2012 by ChristenWhat’s the funniest thing that happened to you in 2012? What 2012 moment are you most proud of? What 2012 moment do you wish you could relive forever? Join us this Thursday as we kick off My2012Moment and relive the events that shaped our year!
Join DivasandDorks and Verizon Wireless
Thursday, December 27 at 8pm ET
FOR A SPECIAL TWITTER PARTY – Hosted by The Online Mom and Friends
#My2012Moment
Join @VerizonInsider @DivasandDorks @TheOnlineMom and friends this Thursday at 8pm ET as we look back at 2012 and Share Our Favorite Moments!
RSVP and join the party for a chance to win GREAT PRIZES!
(You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)
To RSVP: Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com subject line: My2012Moment | Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://tinyurl.com/y8trhhf | Join us on Tweetchat or Tweetgrid (#My2012Moment) this Thursday between 8 and 9pm ET | Tell your Twitter followers!
Join DivasandDorks and Verizon Wireless
Monday, December 31st at 8pm ET
FOR A SPECIAL NYE PARTY IN THE HEART OF TIMES SQUARE
Tag you photos, tweets and more with #My2012Moment and you could appear on MTV’s Video Billboard in Times Square!
#My2012Moment
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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.
General Motors Wants To Grant Your Holiday Wish During Diva Days Of Christmas!
December 13th, 2012 by Christen
It’s one of our biggest giveaways for the season and we’re beyond excited for our loyal readers!
Just in time for the holidays, Divas And Dorks has partnered with GM Northeast to grant one loyal reader the ultimate holiday wish by giving away $500 in cash and a General Motors (Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, etc.) car/truck for a week. Need to travel for the holidays? Need some wheels to get to a charity event? Maybe you just need some extra cash to buy gifts for others or a gift for yourself. Whatever it may be, We’re here to help you! GM is ready to bring holiday cheer to our friends in the northeast, so any wish goes!
How Would You Like To WIN $500 & A GM Car/Truck For The Week?
Entering is as easy as 1 – 2 – 3….
1. To enter, you must submit your holiday tweet wish via Twitter using #GMNER and #DivaDaysChristmas. For example “My holiday wish is to drive my holiday gifts to my parents in DC! #GMNER #DivaDaysChristmas”. Add photos or video to your tweets to make them stand out!
2. You must post the link to your holiday tweet wish the comment section below…. now until December 14th 2012.
3. Visit DrivingTheNortheast.com and post the link to your holiday tweet wish the comment section below….now until December 14th 2012.
We’ll be selecting ONE winner from the comments sections and announcing our winner on Monday, December 17th! If you’re in the mood for winning, don’t forget to enter to win more in our Diva Days of Christmas here.
Contest Rules: In order to qualify, you must live in the Northeast area. You can NOT be a relative of Divas And Dorks, LLC contributing writers, editors, publishers or anyone that works for General Motors or MSL. Good Luck!!!
@Twitter -VS- @Instagram… And How To Succeed With Photo Social Sharing No Matter What
December 12th, 2012 by Christen
Now that the latest move in the social media gauntlet has been revealed – Instagram has disabled Twitter’s ability to properly display your images in Twitter’s feed, WHAT’S NEXT NOW? It’s very clear that the battle between social media giants, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook isn’t going anywhere soon and you can more than likely expect more “integration errors” in the coming months. This could easily become a social media nightmare for those who rely on using these outlets on a daily (sometimes even hourly) basis. But, you don’t have to let the social media squabbling affect your ability to be great! Discover these tips, that’ll keep your Twitter-gram game tight no matter what!
Q: With all these new sharing changes, how in the world do I keep up with easy social sharing?
A: Master the use of each social media platform (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram) SEPARATELY!
The New Twitter: Twitter has unveiled their very own photo filters that users can access after updating the app on their mobiles. Thanks to their photo filter partner Aviary, there are 8 available filters along with cropping tools and auto-enhancing features for Twitter users. Learn how quickly you can enhance your photos without leaving your Twitter app below…
The Face of Facebook: Use Facebook to share your fantastically-filtered photos. To do this, you can manually upload Instagrams to your Timeline or automatically sync up your Instagram account to your Facebook so all your Instagram activity will show up on your Timeline and News Feed.
Become A Facebook Fan! Facebook.com/DivasandDorks
Instagram is IN: As one of the newest and fastest growing photo-sharing platforms to date, the buzz and excitement is still growing strong with Instagram. Use it to your advantage by promoting your online Instagram page and growing your photo followers manually. If pictures are worth a thousand words, there’s no way that Facebook and Twitter can compete with what you have to photogenically say!
Check us out on Instagram.com/DivasandDorks
It’s clear that these social media giants, won’t be playing nice in the sandbox anytime soon. For now, it’s best that you learn to utilize their best features separately and that way, no matter what improvements or changes happen next – YOU STILL WIN!
Have you tried out the new photo filters on Twitter? Are you still a die-hard Facebook fan? What would make you leave any of these social platforms for good. Share below…
To Delete or Not to Delete: The Plight Of Social Network Deserters
November 29th, 2012 by Lifestyle StaffEveryone has THAT friend who lives on the Internet. They post every detail of their life on Facebook and on Twitter. They post tons of pictures daily on Instagram of outfits and meals consumed. (if you don’t have that friend, you need to take a look in the mirror, because that friend could be you…) The digital world is their oyster until one day… it’s not. One person disagrees with one of their statuses, someone makes a joke about a picture they’ve posted, or their mentions on Twitter are bombarded with combative comments replying to something they tweeted. Then their love for social media has turned to hatred and they’re faced with the dilemma to delete or not delete – possibly deserting the social media network altogether.
The Internet is no longer a friendly place. Users find themselves in the middle of a war they can’t contain because of that pesky share button and retweet option that makes one post viral in seconds. As a result they begin the process of packing their digital baggage filled with over used hashtags and untagged photos and wave farewell to their online profiles.
People delete their accounts everyday for various reasons. The ones who leave because of drama they most likely created, I like to call them “social network deserters”. There are two types of social network deserters, the one who takes immediate action after an embarrassing or angering exchange or the one who drags it out hoping someone acknowledges their decision to leave it all behind.
The ones who drag it out spend the next few hours and sometimes days, posting that they are “done” with social networks, some even urge all of their “real friends” to request their number to stay in touch. Celebrities tend to fall into the swift action category. Most likely their PR person pulled the plug. Case in point, the most recent celebrity deserter who had a less than stellar night of communicating on a public forum: Chris Brown.
Regardless of which type of deserter they are, one thing they both have in common is that they always come back. When they do it’s not without fan fare. The average Joe posts an “I’m back” statement and waits for the likes or retweets to roll in. The media outlets unofficially handle the announcements for the celebrities.
History, however, never fails to repeat itself and you know what they say about idle hands, especially hands that have access to smart phones. When they do return it’s only a matter of time before another incident reminds them of why they hate allowing friends and strangers into their personal lives.
Until then there are enough social network super users who are willing to fight the good fight and provide just as much drama for those who like to watch to stay entertained.
Are you one of these social network deserters or super users? Do you think celebrities should fend for themselves via social media or just quit the game entirely? Sound off below…
