The Social Media Effect ~

How have social networks and the short bursts of information affect today’s typical user? Some would say in a potentially negative way. The average attention span is now down to 5 seconds (!), which means that some of you will quit reading right about…..NOW. That’s a pretty unbelievable number, especially when considering that 10 years ago that number was a full 12 minutes, according to the recently published infographic down below. What do the think the quality of understanding and depth of thought can be conveyed in 5 seconds?

Mult-tasking is also increasing greatly. The average white collar (computer) worker checks their email 30-40 times AN HOUR. That is another staggering number. How do you think this constant stream of information is affecting today’s worker? Do you think this multi-tasking is helpful…or distracting?

Young people are also becoming alarmingly self centered. A recent survey found that 57% of young people feel that social media is primarily used for self promotion and to generate attention to one’s self.

Even though we do actually help companies with their social media when appropriate, these are all reasons (are more described below) that we at Hat Trick Associates advocate using SEO – your website content – as your primary means of communication. You can write as much as you wish, and provide real insight into your industry or field…far more than constant 140 character updates. Give your customers and potential ones something that the competition isn’t.