“Social Media” and “User-Generated Content” Backlash?

Posted January 22nd, 2007 by Kevin

Due to its successful integration into our everyday lives, Web 2.0 terminology is being shouted all over the world and becoming as popular in business as “synergy” and “proactive.” For some, however, popular terms like “Social Media” and “Consumer-Generated Media” have jumped the shark. It was only a matter of time before someone stepped up and rebelled against the herd.

Industry veteran, Steve Rubel, shared an interesting post today in his popular blog, Micro Persuasion, questioning whether “social media,” and similar terms, matter anymore. He states that “The problem with all of these balkanized phrases is that they connote that the content created by digitally empowered individuals is somehow bush league.”

Interesting thought, but slightly off the mark for two reasons:

1) More and more people are turning to User-Generated Content for the entertainment value, the availability of information, and the ability to provide information in a method they prefer instead of having it force fed to them by the traditional media giants. Not necessarily the definition of “bush league,” IMHO.

2) Social Media is still evolving and it is necessary to distinguish User-Generated Content from traditional media to appropriately prepare the audience and give credibility to the content. Credibility to all aspects of media based on the guidelines that govern each.

Based on the comments to Rubel’s posts, the community itself recognizes the need to maintain some distinction from traditional media… at least for now.

Entry Filed under: Social Media Marketing