These particular examples are from Facebook. However, it doesn't matter which social network you select. Within the parameters of posting, blogging, tweeting, and conversation the information is the same. One of the most interesting things I've been observing is a unique, accurate, and simple manner by which social networks have it's members divulge personal information people wouldn't otherwise reveal. It's a clever way to mine for data that social networks and those in marketing and sales can utilize free of charge.
It's human nature to share that which brings you joy. If it's fun for you, it'll certainly be fun and entertaining for all your friends. It's just a game. What's the harm in playing? This mentality is what draws people in initially. The entertainment factor as well as the feeling of not wanting to leave your friends out or be left out of the fun yourself is what keeps people participating.
Have you played "how did we meet". Unlike other social networks Facebook is unique in that most people do know one another. They're family. They're old or current classmates, co-workers, colleagues, friends, guild mates, or contacts - personal, work, or conference. This particular trending post is a wildcard. It shows up randomly but often after large updates, policy changes, or large changes in the population. If you play or have played "how did we meet", Facebook now knows who you know in real life regardless of how you answered their question when you friended that individual.
In addition to "likes" targeted marketing also has your input. You'll see each of the following or some variation every year. Answering is fun. After all it's only a game. What's the harm in playing?
In January there's New Year. "What's your resolution?"
In February there's Valentine's Day. It's usually "What's your favorite kind of [fill in the blank]?" Sometimes someone sends the "Do you remember your first [fill in the blank]?" post.
In March well, spring has sprung. "What do you like to do outdoors?"
In April there's Easter. "What's your favorite color?" "What's your favorite number?" "What's your eye color?" "What's your favorite thing to plant?" This is the month of spring festivals and gardening posts.
In May there's Mother's day. Interestingly enough, it's usually "Facts about the day your first child was born" and "Facts about my children" -- Let me pause a moment -- What parent can resist filling those out. Of course, you've just told everyone where, when, and, what time your children were born as well as other personal details about your children.
In June there's Father's day. "What my dad/grandad taught me?" "What's your favorite summer activity or summer memory or place to go on summer vacation?" Not to mention the actual summer vacation photographs.
In July there's Independence Day. This is the annoyingly personal post. It kind of looks like the "about me" + more. "Where were you born?" "Where did you grow up?" "What street did you live on?" "What grade school did you go to?" "Did you or any member of your family ever serve in the military?" and so on. Most people already know know all about me because they're on my Facebook. If I wanted it public, I would've filled it out. Sometimes this trending post migrates. Most often it's here.
In August there are the autumn posts and the autumn festival posts. This is when you'll see a great deal of logic, visual, optical illusion type games but particularly "once you see it or solve it, repost it". It's a great way to tell how much of your population really plays. The population is high in August, school starts.
In September you see the chilly weather food and beverage posts along with the fall festival posts. "What's your favorite fall food?" "What's your favorite fall beverage?" "What's your favorite fall activity?"
In October there's Halloween but also annual enrollment for benefits and congress is in session -- a lot of scary stuff going on here... Again, the interesting thing is it's usually "Are you dressing up this year? If so as what?" "What's your favorite beer (because of Octoberfest) / alcoholic beverage?" "What's your favorite beverage / hot beverage?" "What's your favorite kind of candy or sweets?"
In November there's Thanksgiving. Almost everyone does the "I'm thankful for [fill in the blank]" posts until Thanksgiving.
In December there's Christmas and many other religious holidays. The count down posts are popular as are the "If I could change one thing it would be [fill in the blank]" Facebook provides a year in review. However, there's also a post that circulates "What I accomplished this year" It's what you believe you've accomplished and what you hope to accomplish. It's a long one. "What's your favorite winter activity?" is also popular.
I'm certain you can see the appeal to the questionnaires. It's a great way to learn something you may not have known before about your friends. It's a manner by which to know who actually reads your posts and to get people to interact with you. It's a way to get more than a like. It's a great conversation starter.
It's also a no cost avenue to provide your personal information to social networks and anyone else who might have access. There's nothing wrong with much of the data. Collectively, if ninety eight percent of the population say they adore the color blue then you'll likely find it trending on clothing, shoes, phone cases, purses, and other items next season. As long as you're aware of what data you're making available and it's alright with you then there isn't an issue. The main thing is to be informed of what you're doing online.
One last thing: If you post Bitstrips of yourself coughing and say "watching TV for the third day in a row. still sick." Don't be surprised by targeted ads for cold and flu remedies.
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