2011 has been marked as a year of reversals of various decisions and actions – ranging from corporate decisions to protests emerging across the globe due to unrest. Some have viewed as crisis situations while others have not – but it has also been the year for great change and advancement in the field of both PR and social media. Many new internet memes emerged as well as videos that captured the year through YouTube – some that have been highlighted by AdsMitchell:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmnkYyHQqNs[/youtube]
As you can see, 2011 was a very big year for social media – and this has translated into the PR field and research arena as well. The biggest issue that many people are currently discussing as 2011 winds down and 2012 emerges is the issue of the presence and use of new media technology such as social media. What will be some of the trends – will there be new advancements or will it stay the same?
Some elements that will remain the same – social media is here to stay, but there are some new emerging trends we all have to be aware of that may come to the forefront in the next year. Privacy will continue to be a focus along with the measurement and evaluation of influence among social media influencers across industries, professions, and location – and mobile will allow users to look at the world from a different lens with augmented reality applications and functions. With these new specializations comes new opportunities and risks associated to them, so more training and education within social media need to be implemented across agencies, corporations, and businesses. Crises and reputation management will continue to be popular specializations within PR, and the focus towards an integrated and transdisciplinary perspective with practice and research will also be present for PR professionals to be part of.
Here is to a great 2012, and a happy and wonderful New Year!
Best Wishes,
Karen
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