Back in the days before text messaging, instant messaging, twitter and social networks, conversations began and then naturally ended. There was a clear start and stop.
Something astounding has happened with the collision of digital technology, mobile devices, Internet proliferation and today’s teens and twenty-somethings. The conversation (“convo”) NEVER STOPS. Young people today don’t begin and end conversations. They start the convo and it just keeps going! Instead of ending, conversations morph into new conversations with new people across a multitude of social media applications.
At first glance a web application such as twitter seems absolutely ridiculous – telling the world what you are doing right now, regardless of its significance, relevance or importance on anyone under the sun. Describe this application to a seasoned VP of Admissions and he or she will give you a look like you have lost your mind. After all, why does anyone care what I am doing RIGHT NOW?
However, twitter and other social media applications and widgets are changing the world and millions of people use them all day long…Why? Because of our innate desire to connect with people. When you combine this desire with digital technology the result is a kind of hyperconnectivity which enables and sustains the continuous conversation.
If you’re a decision maker in admissions, recruiting or marketing, chances are you are over 35 and your head is spinning with questions about social media. What is it exactly? How do we get involved? Who do we connect with…prospective students, parents, alumni? Who is talking? What are they saying? …Am I even invited to the conversation?
Leave me your comments and let’s keep the convo going!
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I think the hyperconnectivity is the reason it keeps rolling. People keep coming back again and again, as long as fresh stuff is out there. Plus, it’s more welcoming to new members, which is good for everyone.
Well, I’m over 35 and yes, my head is spinning…you ask a lot of good questions at the end…how about a few answers??
Very intuitive, Tom! Thanks for incorporating some of my opinions into it! For anyone who doesn’t know, Tom is the entrepreneurial mastermind behind a really cool marketing idea for colleges. Check it out at mycollegevid.com !
Great post. I’ve been thinking about these concepts for a long while now and it’s good to find other folks are on the same wavelength.
You’re right, the conversation never stops and, as a result, student expectations have morphed. It’ll be interesting to see how colleges/schools react to the new demands over the next few years.
BTW, I found this post as a result of a connection via twitter– goes to show how ’social’ the web has become.
@ Peter Baron – Thanks for your comment, Peter. Twitter is truly an amazing application for pushing information at an incredible speed. I recently bought the book someone recommended on a tweet. Crazy! Be sure to check out our twitter feed at our “About Us” tab on our blog. Go Convo Go!!
Nice blog! I definitely agree with what you said about our innate desire to connect with people. I also think another reason the internet plays such a huge role in this is because of the delay between conversations. Unlike talking in person, you can write, read, and rewrite everything you say to avoid saying the wrong thing. This relieves a lot of the social stress and provides a much safer environment to talk to people. Even in this comment, I myself edited it several times to avoid sounding stupid. (Hopefully I was successful).