In Social Media, Relationships Matter

The Pew Research Center recently published a research paper titled “The Future of Social Relations.” In it there are some great facts and insight in how individuals are reacting to the impact that the social environment has had on their lives and the effect it will have in the coming decade. Some of the results are quite outstanding.

One of the most astounding outcomes of the research is the positive sentiment that social networking has had on our lives and relationships:

Some 85% agreed with the statement:

“In 2020, when I look at the big picture and consider my personal friendships, marriage and other relationships, I see that the internet has mostly been a positive force on my social world. And this will only grow more true in the future.

So what does this mean to brands? Simple; in social media, relationships matter. We may all get caught up in scale, community size, impressions, reach, and the bottom line for our brand, but the only thing that matters to me as a consumer, is the relationship you build with me. I don’t care about any of those things, I only care about what value you bring to my life.

Let’s take this amazing study about how social media has had a positive effect on our relationships as individuals and use it as a wake-up call. Social networking isn’t marketing; it’s a lifelong commitment to building a relationship with individuals.