James Tenser

Addicted to Facebook in America

March 18, 2010

FROM RETAILWIRE:
We don't know if it has been classified as an addiction by psychiatric professionals, but even if it hasn't, it's clear that many Americans have a very difficult time staying away from their favorite social media sites. What are the ramifications of the numbers from the Retrevo study for the social media efforts of retailers and brand marketers?      [more...]

I spotted a report last night on the news that indicated Facebook for the first time had recorded more Web "hits" than Google for the latest period. An incredible factoid, IMHO.

No it's not on the decline, if sheer scale is the only criterion. But Facebook remains questionable as a media vehicle until and unless we learn something useful about the quality of attention and response it can deliver for commercial users.

Social media isn't one thing any more than cable TV is one channel; a retail chain is one store; or a supercenter is one category. It splits audiences and individuals into a multiplicity of interactive moments that have the potential to be re-aggregated for value.

Figure out how and make a $billion. Simple, right?