According to a recent UK study, 10% of consumers say they will abandon social media in 2017 versus 8% who plan to give up smoking. I bet the trend is similar in the US.
Consumers are moving away from social media for a variety of reasons. Many are disgusted by what happened on social media during the election. They are turned off by the spread of fake news and the prevalence of bullying. People have given up friends because they were so distressed by their posts.
Some have realized that social media takes up too much time. They are trying digital detoxes—time limits on their daily usage, one day a week without social, or going completely cold turkey.
Still others have personally experienced what multiple scientific studies show—moderate to high levels of social media engagement are correlated with negative emotions including anxiety, unhappiness and depression. In a quest to be happier in 2017, they are focusing on real life.
Finally, celebrities are leading the social exodus. A number of high-profile entertainers—including Mariah Carey, Azealia Banks, and Selena Gomez—have taken breaks from social media or left for good.
Sources: Bidvine 2017, Digiday 2017, Life Advancer 2017, NPR 2016, Reuters 2016
So please…You’re creative. That’s why you considered the name “Brandology.” Use those creative juices to come up with another name that’s not already trademarked. Even though it will take some time, it will be fun, happy time — a stunning contrast to the time you’ll spend with Brandon if you try to use “Brandology.” Really. (It’s probably a little tacky to mention, but if you want our help naming your business, that’s something we do too.)