SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media plays a huge part in today’s life. Social media are interactive technologies which allow the creation or sharing and exchange of information through virtual communities and networks. Social media has changed the way people live their daily lives, it helps how people communicate and exchange user-generated content with others. As of 2021, over 4.48 billion people use social media worldwide, with the average user accessing 6.6 various platforms on a monthly basis. Above 85% of all businesses have a dedicated social media platform as part of their marketing strategy, 58% of these businesses have used social media for over 3 years and have reported an increase in sales over this time (-->, -->, --> and -->, 2022).

At present, the perspective on social media is that people are using it for creation, accessing, and spreading information via word of mouth. The rise of social media and positive effects it has had is largely down to the platforms themselves. The opportunities for social media marketers are endless, social media in marketing is used to connect brands with their audiences to build their brand, increase their sales and drive website traffic.

For brands to be successful in their social media marketing they must post great content on their platforms, listen to and engage their followers and analyze their results. Over the past two years especially, people have had to rely on technology more than ever. Businesses depend on digital and social media marketing more than they probably ever expected. This has meant that brands have had to be more creative to target their consumers differently. It is a great way for companies to engage with younger consumers as they spend many hours a day on social media platforms.

However, as generation alpha are being brought up in a digital environment brands need to create content to meet a broader audience in multiple places. It is important that brands keep updated to meet the ever-growing consumer demands of the next generation. For brands to be successful with their marketing strategies they need to keep up to date with the latest trends generation alpha are following. As generation alpha have shorter attention spans these trends will change at a rapid pace. Social media is the perfect place for brands to target generation alpha as they will be extremely technologically advanced from a young age.

Social media already plays a huge role in the lives of generation alpha members and is integral to the development of their identity. Most tweens are already using online sites such as Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram as a way to connect with their friends and to follow influencers and celebrities. Many popular websites are specifically targeted at this demographic. This generation has more access to technology and information and external influences than any other generation.

As a technologically advanced generation, Generation Alpha are keen to adapt to new innovations which will benefit them in the long run. Generation Alpha will continue to grow up in a technological age, with smartphones and tablets being at the forefront of their lives.