October 25, 2023
Social Media Uncertainty Persists as Platforms Face New Pressures
Meta is being sued by a bipartisan coalition of 42 attorneys general who claim their platforms are designed to maximize use among minors, regardless of harm. New polling data indicates more than half of teens spend nearly five hours a day using social media. X, formerly Twitter, is launching two paid premium tiers in an attempt to increase revenue as the company struggles to become profitable.
Social media platforms are leaving news behind. While LinkedIn lately has cultivated its editorial capacity, other companies have reduced reliance on news content for traffic. Amid a wave of digital misinformation, credible news sources are becoming harder to identify. X has removed the New York Times account’s ‘gold badge’ verification, creating confusion about the outlet’s online authenticity. Recent events are a reminder that the days of the Friday news dump are over, as social media can amplify information at any time.
Cratering Confidence in Media Magnified by Digital Downsizing
The U.S. public’s confidence in media has dropped to an all-time low, matching 2016 levels—only 32% trust that news is reported accurately. As newsrooms look to secure more subscribers, evidence suggests proactively engaging audiences can raise revenue. To turn the tide on fading credibility, newsrooms can increase trust by expanding transparency.
The ever-changing media landscape continues to take a toll on the news business. In the past three decades, the number of newspaper employees has cratered from 455,000 to fewer than 90,000. Signs suggest a digital news divestment, as well. Google News is the latest to downsize, cutting up to 45 jobs. Longtime blogging site Jezebel is up for sale by publisher, G/O Media.
Worker Wellness Begins with Better Communications
While the ways of work are changing, the elements for success have stayed the same. Authentic internal communications are essential—a recent study found ineffective internal communications are costly for employers. Studies also underscore the importance of leader communications, which lead to higher worker satisfaction and wellbeing.
Building strong internal communications requires organizational intention and engagement. To establish a sustainable framework, PR firms must internally implement what’s often provided for clients, like conducting a communications audit and developing research-informed messaging. Stronger workplace communications can help employees set better boundaries and improve wellness.
Tweet
Sequence Summaries: Social Suspense, Media Mistrust, and Workplace Wisdom
Sequence Summaries is a weekly series summarizing the top news and takeaways in PR and strategic communications. Sign-up for direct delivery to your inbox.