The Future of Social Media, Cell Phones and Product Engagement

(Photo by XR Expo on Unsplash)

I cannot believe it has been almost 10 years since I created a post! The hands of time sure have sped up like a propeller on a prop plane. Although I am coming back to re-boot my marketing blog, I have had the chance to re-read my thoughts from so many years ago and can conclude that the realm of social media in marketing has really taken off as suspected, and more and more businesses are implementing ways of engaging consumers that are not static marketing tactics, such as integrating product videos or even letting consumers feel part of the product review process even more, like consumer video uploads on their website's review page. Amazon.com does a fantastic job at both of these marketing tools. In fact, Amazon has to be my top choice this year for a user-friendly website platform. Although, in my opinion, their log-in needs improvement, that is a topic for another day.

Almost a decade ago, I concluded that social media and integrating product videos would take off, but it also makes me wonder: what's next? What is next outside the world of social media? I do believe it is here to stay, though, just like billboards and radio adverts, but one has to wonder what will take off next. Because even though billboards and radio adverts are great, one can conclude that they have almost become relics in the modern world. Which begs the question: what will make social media a relic in the future? This plagues my mind a lot, actually. I am sure someone out there is already working on this new technology that has not hit the open market yet. I do believe everything comes in waves, though, and I am sure this has social media CEO giants on their toes because they must know that something bigger will eventually take their spot. Maybe that is why Mark Zuckerberg has spent billions on the controversial "Metaverse?"  People think it is failing, but in my opinion, maybe people and government regulations are just not ready for it yet.  Just like Facebook took over MySpace in a huge way, something else will come along and take over the social media giants of today, unless they look to the future like Apple does with the I-Phone, designing years in advance.  Super smart business tactic.

I don't know about you, but I am super curious as to what this will be. Any thoughts out there? What will be the next generation's Facebook? You Tube? Twitter? etc.? Also, what will be the next generation's product engagement tactic? This may seem far-fetched, but how about a VR experience? Where can the consumer actually feel the product in their hands before purchasing it online? or check out that cushy chair or mattress before purchasing? Maybe I am thinking too far ahead, but it is not too far-fetched considering we already have VR capabilities.

On the other hand, just like the "brick phone" became obsolete, one day the cell phone in our hands will no longer exist. Maybe I am thinking too far in advance, but what could replace it? In my humble opinion, a chip that is operated by one's own brain power.  I'm sure I'm thinking too much like the Jetsons! One day, the cellphone of this generation will be just like the brick phone of yesteryear. I know I am excited about the next generation of cell phones, social media, and product engagement strategies and implementation. How about you?  What are your thoughts of the next generation's product engagement, cell phones, and/or social media advancements?  Let me know in the comments below.  I am excited to hear your thoughts.