Social Media And The Pop Culture
Why would a popular musician or singing group put a social media page together? After all, aren’t they busy enough without adding the interaction that seems to be required of a social media site?
In most cases these artists do not develop these pages as a result of having too much time on their hands. In fact, most of these artists do not have a significant amount of free time to devote to a social media site.
That being said the social media site becomes an incredible means of immediate connection with fans. The social media page contains audio streaming of popular songs, video streaming of current music videos, photo galleries and of course an online blog.
These tools provide a sense of immediate connection between fans and artist. Since the page development of social media sites is all online the artists can update their page from anywhere they can gain an Internet connection (often wi-fi hot zones).
Obviously there are those who have some help in getting everything online and keeping things updated, but the point is a majority of artists have gained a clear understanding that an online community provides an incredible mechanism for marketing to already motivated fans.
Links to a primary site can often result in additional product purchases. Even if the individuals have the most current audio products they may use a social media site as the first step in locating and purchasing items such as t-shirts, hats, sweat bands, posters, magnets and many other branded items from the artist.
A social media site allows these artists to let fans know of significant achievements, news or offer information on the pre-release sale of new audio projects.
Fans take the time to post replies, ask questions and send site-controlled messages to the artist.
In so many ways the world of social media has allowed the famous to be viewed as approachable and friendly. The mystery of the artist is less mysterious and concerts can be viewed by many concertgoers as something a bit like a gathering with friends.
In an odd way the use of social media levels the playing field of the famous and yet-to-be famous. This environment is an odd mixture of reality TV, entertainment report and fan site.
The success of pop culture as a historical phenomenon makes this up close and personal approach to artists and film stars something that is meaningful to fans.
Beyond the unusually profound cultural dynamics of social media, artists and actors understand that this genre provides marketing potential to a highly motivated group of individuals.
Marketing has always been about putting a product in front of people on a regular basis. Social media allows the famous to keep their projects (past, present and future) in front of fans.
The use of social media can render fan sites obsolete because the fans have access to the famous. In turn they also have access to each other.
The example of the famous using social media can provide a reason for individuals to provide a point of connection for their own group of family and friends in a one-stop shop of information and feedback.
