Initial Dissertation Notes
Why?
Social Contact - share to get reactions as we like to communicate Prestige - way to gauge popularity through likes etc Power - more followers = more influential and powerful you feel Independence - feeling of independence deriving from how unique you portray yourself to be Social Acceptance - sharing to feel part of something; to be included Boredom - sheer boredom causes people to post when they normally would not Better Technology - Easier and cheaper to share Slight competitive edge - other people sharing how exciting their lives are Large Network - Means bigger audience for everything you share, for some this makes it more worthwhile
People have always shared information, thoughts, and ideas. How else could a culture possibly be passed on?
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to bring valuable and entertaining content to others
to define ourselves to others
to grow and nourish relationships
for self-fulfillment
to market causes or brands
The New York Times Insights - The Psychology of Sharing
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Altruists are helpful, reliable, and thoughtful. Many altruists stay connected with email and pass along information in attachments and links. An example of an altruist is someone who sends a relevant job posting to an out-of-work friend or a medical article to a family member with health problems.
Careerists are intelligent web users who have been quick to see the immense value of social networking. Careerists use websites like LinkedIn and FaceBook to build professional profiles and relationships. Some careerists find online work (such as contractual projects) and can forget about setting the alarm clock, working independently at their convenience.
Hipsters are young, popular, creative, and prefer the cutting edge of technology. They're less likely to email, opting for newer, quicker methods of communication, like text, Twitter or Skype message.
Boomerangs share content for validation and reaction. Empowered with information, Boomerangs use social websites like Twitter and Facebook to post thoughtful questions and comments to engage other users.
Connectors are creative, thoughtful, and relaxed. They are likely to make plans via email and Facebook, hook up online discounts, and take advantage of freebies and promotions. Think of the money Connectors can save! (Remember not to text and drive as you look for the address of your half-priced manicure.)
Selectives are resourceful, thoughtful, and careful about the information they share. Someone who is a Selective sharer may prefer to send an email or private message to communicate, rather than a social update or post. These intelligent sharers understand the permanence of everything posted to the web, knowing that every message is indexed, even if you delete it or move it to your desktop trash bin.
NYT POS Study revealed these six types, text copied from SocialMediaToday.com
Also from same website, how to encourage people to share your post (from a personal or brand perspective)
keep it simple
have a sense of humor
create a sense of urgency
