The Cunning of Social Media

"If you're not paying for it, you're the product."

I can't say that I entirely understand this product but fro what I do understand of this powerful statement is enough to awaken me to a sort of reality of the workings of social media. I always expected something like Facebook to be free and when there were rumors concerning they possibility of having to pay for Facebook I was greatly upset by that. It was discussed in our class today what an effect such as that would have had. The use and popularity of Facebook would have decreased incredibly to the point where they probably wouldn't be making vey much if any money. No matter how addictive it may be and useful it is people aren't likely going to be on it if they have to pay. Furthermore, even if one was willing to pay their friends may not be so willing thus decreasing the need for it. Social media companies are very smart in keeping things free. But I still always wondered how it is that they are getting their money. Then I remember all the annoying advertisements and game invitations and I see how easily they must make money. With such an increasing number of people on Facebook who wouldn't want there ads on there? In a way we are the product because companies are trying to buy our attention. We give all our information to these sites who have the right (for the more part) to access it and do with it as they will. We are all part of their produce in a sense. That's how I see it and to me this is concerning.

I loved the discussions we had today when a professor brought up the effectiveness of an advertisement if you don't know that it's an advertisement. This is very true because I know that in New Zealand I come across this a lot. I find their ads so entertaining and I would watch them in my free time. I didn't realize what was so catchy and effective about them till now: The advertisement doesn't draw any attention to the product, until right near the end and they don't come across as selling something. It's just an entertaining story that's usually relatable or just humorous and then at the end we find out the connection to whatever product is being sold, but only for a small moment. Social media does this very effectively at times, especially on YouTube. For the more part I get so absorbed by the end that I unintentionally watch the whole thing only to find out in the end that it wasn't just some inspirational story but it was really an advertisement. Dove, for example, usually does an amazing job at this.