Category: Social Media

One-in-five voters have changed their ballot choices based on social media posts

Pure Telecom, Ireland’s high-speed broadband and telecoms provider, today announces the results of its annual Connected Lives survey, which shows that one-in-five (19%) voters have changed their voting choice based on posts they have seen on social media. The research found that this is significantly higher for younger voters, with 28% of those aged 18 to 24 saying social media has led to them changing their ballot preference.

The nationally representative survey of 1,006 adults in Ireland was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Pure Telecom. It examined the growing crossover between politics and social media and how that is impacting public opinion. In doing so, the research found that 38% of adults in Ireland believe that social media is now the most important political campaigning platform, rising to 47% for those aged 18 to 24.

The research shows that many adults turn to social media to keep themselves informed on political discourse. Of those who use social media (85%), more than a quarter (26%) credit it with helping them to see alternative political points of view, while 32% say it supports their knowledge of election and referendum issues. Despite this, just 41% of social media users fact-check political social media content, while 27% will only follow people and accounts whose political opinions they agree with.

Pure Telecom’s survey showed that there is an appetite for politicians to have a presence on social media, with many saying they would like to see more of it. Almost half (49%) of adults who use social media said they like politicians to use it because it makes them more accessible, while 49% like them to use social media as it keeps them up-to-date on their progress and opinions.

It’s not just election issues that adults in Ireland are interested in seeing from politicians. Almost half (47%) of social media users would like politicians to give more personal insights on social platforms to make them more relatable. Meanwhile, one-third of adults (33%) believe that politicians should make TikTok videos to appeal to younger generations. This rises to 45% for those aged 18 to 24.

When it comes to voicing their own opinions, the population is less sure. While 27% of men who use social media say they share their political opinions on social media, just 13% of women do it.

Paul Connell, CEO, Pure Telecom, said: “Social media is making politics more accessible to the general public, while also helping people to get up-to-speed on important political issues. It can help the population to stay informed on local issues and developments, while also having a greater awareness of national issues, elections and referenda. However, with so many admitting to being influenced politically by social media, it is incumbent on all of us to make sure we carry out some fact-checking before forming an opinion.

“With voters set to return to the ballot boxes at least twice over the next 12 months, staying connected and informed will be important for all of us in deciding which way to vote. At Pure Telecom, by providing high-speed broadband connectivity to any location in the country, we are proud to empower people to make the choices that are right for them.”

 

The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 1006 ROI Consumers, aged 18+. The data was collected between 26.03.2024 – 28.03.2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.

4 Crucial Considerations When Launching Your Social Media Account

So, you’re thinking of dipping your toes into the world of OnlyFans to spice up your income a bit. Kudos to you for exploring new avenues as an independent creator. But hold your horses before you start tossing pics left and right – there’s more to launching an OnlyFans account than meets the eye. Sure, it might seem like a walk in the park, but trust me, there are some essential things you’ve got to mull over first to set yourself up for the win. 

Jumping in headfirst might leave you feeling frustrated, burnt out, and with little to show for your efforts. However, armed with a solid plan and a clear understanding of what lies ahead, you’ll be in a prime position to grow your audience, keep those fans coming back, and start seeing some green from your account. So, before you embark on your OnlyFans journey, here are five crucial things to chew on.

Top 4 Things to Consider When Launching Your OnlyFans Account

These are the five main things you should keep in mind when launching your OnlyFans account:

Define Your Brand and Set Boundaries:

When you’re launching your OnlyFans account, it’s not just about sharing content randomly. You’ve got to define your brand and set clear boundaries. What’s your niche? For example, OnlyFans porn models creators, cosplay OnlyFans models, and so on. The clearer your brand is, the easier it will be to attract fans that resonate with you. Here are a few other things to have in mind:

  • Set a Subscription Fee: Check out what other creators in your niche are charging and find a sweet spot that’s both competitive and profitable. And, don’t shy away from promotions – free trials, bundle packages, or loyalty programs can reel in those subscribers.
  • Keep the Content Flowing: aim for at least three posts a week to keep your followers hooked. Take requests, interact via DMs, and run contests, and giveaways. Make your subscribers feel like the VIPs they are.
  • Review and Optimize: Pay attention to what your top fans respond to the best. Give the people what they want!

Remember, success on OnlyFans boils down to consistency, quality, and building genuine relationships with your subscribers. Lay the groundwork by defining your brand, setting boundaries, promoting actively, and engaging with your fans. Nail these, and you’ll be on your way to OnlyFans stardom.

Optimize Your OnlyFans Page for Discovery

To get noticed on OnlyFans, you need a profile that stands out. Here’s the lowdown:

First off, choose a username that packs a punch – something with relevant keywords like your niche or persona. A moniker like “NaughtyNurseJenny” or “FitMike89” gives followers a sneak peek into what you’re all about.

Next, your profile photo and cover photo are your first impressions, so make it count. Use high-quality, eye-catching images that flaunt your best features. Wear something sexy that aligns with your brand.

Finally, in your bio, describe what your subscribers can expect in a fun, flirty way. Mention your posting schedule, the kind of content you share, and any special promotions. Use enticing language to draw them in!

Promote Your Account and Build Your Audience

Getting the word out about your OnlyFans account is crucial. Here’s how to kickstart it:

Leverage your existing social media platforms. If you’re already rocking the Insta, Twitter, or Snapchat scene, shout out that you’ve joined the OnlyFans club. Post teasers and behind-the-scenes content on your socials, complete with links directing folks to your OnlyFans profile. Your existing followers will likely make up a chunk of your initial subscribers.

Be active in engaging with your followers. Like and reply to their comments, post Stories, and go Live when you can. The more interaction, the more loyal your fan base becomes.

Collaborations

Collaborate with fellow creators on OnlyFans. Do shoutouts for shoutouts, where you both promote each other to your respective followers. You can even appear on each other’s OnlyFans profiles for joint photoshoots and videos. Collaborating is like turbo-boosting your subscriber count.

Look for creators who have a similar vibe and fan base. Chances are, your audiences will overlap and they’ll love being introduced to each other. When collaborating, be true to yourself. Only team up with creators you genuinely admire and want to work with. Your fans can tell when it’s authentic, so keep it real in your collaborations.

Wrapping Up Your Journey to OnlyFans Success

So there you have it, the lowdown on kicking off your OnlyFans adventure. Remember, keep it real about your earning expectations. Build your content and fanbase gradually with consistency and engagement. Price your subscription wisely based on your brand and offerings. 

Promote your account actively to gain new subscribers, but also focus on keeping your current fans happy. Consider your content and branding carefully to strike the right balance for your personal style and comfort level. Starting an OnlyFans might not be a quick cash grab, but armed with knowledge and a commitment to building real connections, it can be a rewarding ride. Now get out there, be your authentic self, and make that money, champ! You’ve got this.

 

Top Ways to Make Money on Social Media Platforms

In today’s digital age, social media isn’t just for sharing cute cat videos and stalking your high school crush. It’s a legit money-making machine. With billions of people scrolling through their feeds every day, the potential for cashing in on social media is massive. So, let’s dive into the top ways you can turn your online presence into a sweet cash cow.

The Social Media Revolution

Let’s face it: social media has changed the game. It’s no longer just a way to chat with friends and share your dinner pics. Now, you can connect with a global audience in a snap. 

The rise of influencers and content creators has opened up a whole world of opportunities for those looking to make some serious moolah. This includes OnlyFans best sex models, fitness coaches, entrepreneurs, adult performers, and many more. But before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to make that dough, let’s understand how social media rules the world.

The Era of Influencers

Influencer marketing is blowing up. Big brands are teaming up with social media stars to peddle their stuff to a target audience. These influencers have built a fan base by creating cool content and becoming experts in their niches. As an influencer, you can work with brands and cash in through sponsored posts, product endorsements, and affiliate marketing.

Top Social Media Platforms for Making Money

While there are tons of social media platforms out there, some are better suited for making money. Let’s break down the top ones and how you can cash in on them.

  • Instagram Money Moves

Instagram is all about the visuals and influencer culture. If you’re good at snapping pics or creating eye-catching content, you can make money in different ways. You can do sponsored posts, partner up with brands, and even dive into affiliate marketing.

  • YouTube Cash Flow

If you’re into making videos, YouTube is where it’s at. Create top-notch content and pull in a loyal subscriber base. You can earn money through YouTube’s Partner Program or score brand deals for sponsored content. You can even sell your own merch to your viewers.

  • Twitter (X) Earnings

Twitter (X) may be limited by character count, but it has unique money-making potential. Twitter influencers make bank through sponsored tweets, where they promote stuff to their followers. You can also sell your own digital products, like e-books or online courses, directly to your audience.

Strategies for Raking in the Bucks

So, you’ve got your online presence set up, and you know which platforms you’re targeting. Now, let’s talk strategy to fill up your wallet.

Affiliate Marketing on Social Media

Affiliate marketing is where it’s at. You promote products or services through your social media channels using special affiliate links. For every sale made through your link, you get a cut. Just make sure the stuff you’re promoting vibes with your audience, and only push things you genuinely believe in.

Sponsored Posts and Partnerships

As your online influence grows, brands will start sliding into your DMs for sponsored posts and partnerships. Sponsored posts are when you create content that hypes a specific product or brand and get paid for it. Partnerships are longer-term deals where you become a brand ambassador, promoting their goods on the regular.

Selling Your Stuff Directly

If you’ve got a special skill or knowledge, you can use your social media presence to sell your own products or services. Whether it’s an e-book, online courses, coaching, or physical merch, your loyal followers could be your next customers. Set up sweet sales funnels and run social media ads to reach a broader audience.

Navigating the Social Media Money Maze

Making money on social media sounds rad, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. You’ve gotta know the pitfalls and how to dodge ’em to make that money dream come true.

Dealing with Platform Changes

Social media platforms are always tweaking their policies, and that can mess with your money game. Stay in the loop about any changes and be ready to adjust your strategy. Diversify your money-making tricks so that you’re not putting all your eggs in one platform’s basket.

Keeping it Real While Making Money

As you start pulling in cash from your social media channels, remember to stay true to yourself. Your audience can spot fake stuff from a mile away. Be honest about sponsored content and only promote stuff you truly believe in. Your credibility and trustworthiness are your golden tickets to long-term success.

Summing Up: Understand the Game – Play it Right!

In a nutshell, social media is a goldmine waiting to be dug up. Understand the game and use different platforms effectively, and you can turn your online presence into a real money-spinner. 

Whether it’s sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, or selling your own goods and services, the key is to build a solid brand, engage with your audience, and roll with the punches. So, go out there, make some killer content, and start turning your social media hustle into a money-making party!

 

ConnectingUs is a new place where we all connect and grow.

Social Media is the thing these days and getting off the ground aint easy starting afresh but it all begins somewhere and of late people are leaving social media in their droves or changing platforms with Musk at the helm of Twitter and Zucks competing with his new take Threads which is limited for most but had a base to begin with being Instagram it will be interesting to see how this works out over time and what changes Musk and Zuckerberg will apply as they compete.

A new idea has been born by where you can have a social network plus more and more is in the works by web designer Adam O Gleason who wants to bring people together in a different way but not only by being a social media outlet it offers more than just what you typically find on your current social media outlets and here is where it got its name from, being a hub for more things than one this is how he hopes to build a nice community overall and take things in a different direction.

Adam tells us

“At ConnectingUs, we believe in the power of connections. We are a dynamic online network that empowers individuals to monetize their content, forge new relationships, and promote their businesses like never before. Our platform is designed to bring together a diverse community of creators, entrepreneurs, and professionals who are eager to share their passions, expand their networks, and unlock new opportunities.

Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a seasoned influencer, a startup founder, or a small business owner, ConnectingUs is your go-to destination for fostering meaningful connections. We provide you with the tools and resources to showcase your unique talents, engage with like-minded individuals, and take your endeavors to new heights.

https://familypets.ie/ one of Adams websites

What sets us apart is our commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. We believe that collaboration is the key to success, and by connecting people from different backgrounds and industries, we aim to inspire innovation, creativity, and mutual growth. Our platform encourages constructive interactions, knowledge sharing, and mentorship, allowing you to learn from others and develop your skills along the way.

Monetizing your content has never been easier. With our integrated monetization features, you can turn your passion into a sustainable source of income. Whether it’s through advertising partnerships, sponsored collaborations, or direct sales of your products and services, we provide the tools and guidance to help you monetize your efforts and build a thriving online business.

But ConnectingUs is about more than just financial gains. It’s about fostering genuine connections and building a supportive community. Our interactive features, such as forums, chat rooms, and virtual events, enable you to engage with fellow members, exchange ideas, and find collaborators for your projects. You can expand your reach, gain valuable insights, and connect with individuals who share your aspirations.

ConnectingUS network – https://connectingus.network/

Join us today and embark on a journey of discovery, growth, and connection. Whether you’re looking to monetize your content, meet inspiring individuals, or promote your business, ConnectingUs is your gateway to a vibrant network of opportunities. Together, let’s unlock the full potential of your passions and create a world where connections thrive”.

Welcome to ConnectingUs, where your dreams meet limitless possibilities.

How Does Social Media Play a Part in Divorce?

In the digital age, the influence of social media on various aspects of our lives cannot be ignored. It has revolutionised the way we communicate, share information, and stay connected with friends and family. However, the widespread use of social media has also brought unforeseen challenges, particularly in the realm of personal relationships and family dynamics. From flirting on Facebook or gaining traction on Twitter, social media has got its tentacles into almost every aspect of our lives, including our romantic relationships.

This article aims to explore how social media can contribute to the breakdown of marriages, leading to potential grounds for divorce in Northern Ireland.

How can Social Media Play a Part in Divorce?

There are a few ways that social media can have a role in a divorce and we’re going to explore some of these in this section. 

Instigating the Breakdown of a Relationship

Social media is all about connecting people but, in some cases, friending someone can lead to the blurring of the line between friendship and something more. Shockingly, figures show that social media has a hand in one in seven divorces and this is usually down to one spouse believing that the other is ‘cheating’ with somebody online. Often this will lead to that spouse turning detective and scrutinising their wife or husband’s social media presence for evidence which, in turn, can lead to the breakdown of the relationship. 

Quality Time

There doesn’t necessarily need to be infidelity involved for social media to impact on a marriage or relationship. 51% of mobile phone users say that quality time with their partner is often interrupted by social media use and many say that they have regular arguments with their partner over excessive social media use when they’re together. 

During and After the Divorce

As well as being a factor in a divorce happening in the first place, social media can also have a negative impact during and after the divorce proceedings and we’ll take a look at how in this section. 

Emotional Impact 

For many people, a divorce is a stressful time and this can be exacerbated by seeing your soon-to-be ex flaunting a new relationship on social media. A lot of people continue to check out their ex’s social media even though they know that no good can come of it and, similarly, some will choose to deliberately ‘wind up’ their ex by showing off a new partner. 

Unfortunately, even the most innocent of interactions can be misinterpreted on social media and so it’s always best to keep any intimate or romantic pictures close to your chest until the ink is dry on your divorce. 

Child Care and Custody

It’s only natural to want to share pictures of your kids on social media but this can cause problems if your ex is watching your every move. In some cases, a spouse will try to use the most minute detail of a social media post to strengthen their bid for child custody. This can be amplified further if a new partner is, quite literally, in the picture. 

Being Caught Out

It’s extremely common for money to play a huge part in divorce proceedings, and many people don’t realise that their social media presence can leave them out of pocket. For example, one partner is claiming that they need financial help in order to be able to pay the rent and bills and is then spotted on Facebook showing off a new car or extravagant holiday. In 2023, social media is routinely used to ‘catch people out’ and that includes a number of factors relating to separation and divorce. 

Publishing Private Information

For a lot of people, social media offers an opportunity to have a little vent and, while this is fine when you’ve suffered poor customer service or fallen victim to the weather, it can be held against you during a divorce. Unfortunately, we often fail to use the same filters on social media that we would in real life and sharing private information about your divorce or your former partner can land you in hot water and potentially damage your case during a divorce. 

Pause Before Posting

Social media can be an extremely useful tool and a great way of staying connected with friends and family even if you live miles apart. However, when going through a divorce, you should always proceed with caution. We have a tendency to want to give the illusion of living our best lives on our Facebook and Instagram but this can very much work against you during a divorce. 

Where possible, try to take a social media break until your divorce is finalised. If this isn’t possible, try to be mindful of what you’re posting and how those posts might be interpreted by your former partner or a divorce court. While this may be frustrating, it’s worth remembering that it’s only for a few months after which you’ll be starting your brand-new life – both on and offline.

Is The New Twitter Blue Worth The Money?

Twitter has undergone some serious changes after Elon Musk took over the social media app. A lot of users on the app are questioning whether these changes are really worth the money. Be it the new Twitter Blue or the updated prices, Twitter is definitely changing its approach. There have been some seriously mixed reactions to the changes made to the Twitter app.

ExpressVPN’s research states that many Twitter might end up losing followers after the recent changes made to the social media platform. If we take a look at predictions, Twitter may lose up to 33 million users globally by 2024. Not only that, there is a considerable risk of Twitter losing 6% of its current US users by the end of 2023. The company has also laid off a huge number of employees recently. With the future of Twitter being rocky, let’s see whether Twitter Blue will be a saving grace for the social media app or not.

How Twitter Changed After Elon Musk Took Over?

After the recent acquisition of Twitter by Elon Musk, the social media app has gone through some serious changes. Be it the sudden layoffs of a vast number of employees, or the introduction of a premium version, Twitter is for sure changing. The most exciting change to Twitter has to be the introduction of Twitter Blue, a premium version of Twitter for users. 

The paid service allows users to access a blue tick, and the feature even provides a gold tick for businesses and brands. But the question remains, is Twitter Blue worth the money?

Is Twitter Blue Worth It?

Elon Musk took over Twitter in October 2022, and the platform has been undergoing constant changes since then. Twitter Blue launched soon after, allowing users to get a verified tick for a monthly subscription. To access Twitter Blue, users have to pay a price of 11 USD for iOS or Android devices and 8 USD to access Twitter Blue on a PC.

Before we discuss if Twitter Blue is worth the money or not, we will have to see the perks that it offers. Other than providing Blue or Gold ticks to a profile, Twitter Blue also allows users to edit their tweets after posting them. Additionally, users can undo tweets, bookmark folders, access top articles, upload longer videos, customize the Twitter interface, and upload an NFT profile picture. 

Twitter Blue might be useful for brands and creator account with a huge following. However, the feature is not very useful for people who are not very active on the social media app. Most perks on Twitter Blue simply help users customize the look of their profile or allow users the feature to edit their content after posting it. It can be said the feature is only worth it if you use Twitter heavily and have a huge following to cater to.

Conclusion

It can not be denied that Twitter Blue has been getting some positive reviews ever since its launch. However, many users are avoiding getting the service for themselves as the prices are too high. Even if the feature is worth the money, most users do not need to get a blue tick just to access some perks on the social media platform. 

Twitter Blue might be an interesting feature for businesses; however, brands are also not very keen on spending money to access the selected perks they might be able to avail through Twitter Blue. Still, the feature is quite new, and users have yet to decide whether they want to pay the price to access the features that Twitter Blue offers. 

Social Media Tips And Tricks To Help You Get Started

Do you want to jump into the social media game but don’t quite know where to start? If so, you’re not alone! With countless platforms out there and oftentimes confusing algorithms, it can be hard to navigate all of the intricacies of posting on social media. Fortunately, whether you’re just starting or need a refresher on the subject, this blog post will provide some tips and tricks for taking your first steps in creating an effective presence across multiple channels. So let’s dive in with this top-notch advice from marketing experts geared towards making sure your content stands out from the crowd!

Develop A Social Media Content Strategy – Figure Out What Type Of Content You Want To Post, How Often, And Where 

A content strategy is the foundation of any successful social media presence. Before getting started, it is important to create a plan on what type of content should be posted, where it should be shared, and how often. Despite the rise of new platforms to consider, it’s best to start by focusing on one or two social networks that are aligned with your goals and strengths. For business owners, this often includes LinkedIn for lead generation or Facebook for targeting customers based on interests or geography. 

To increase reach, consider developing engaging posts – such as infographics or polls – that can be shared across different channels at regular intervals. With a clear content strategy in place, you will be able to maximize your potential to build an online community around your brand. You can also consider buying likes and followers to get more exposure and to grow your following in a more explosive manner. So experiment with different tactics and find out which ones work best for you.

Set Up Accounts On The Major Social Media Networks And Fill In Your Profiles Completely

It’s become essential for anyone exploring business opportunities to have accounts with the major social media networks. You can use these services to showcase your work and build an online audience, as well as stay connected with others. Before you start your journey on each network, though, it’s important that you take the time to properly set up your profile pages. Start by making sure that all of your current information regarding links to your work is posted (including good photos). Use your bio section to explain who you are and what value you offer; make sure things like a contact link or email address are visible so readers can easily get in touch if they want more information about what you do. Finally, fill out the various details and settings each service offers—these will act as important customizable tools as you build an audience and brand going forward.

Schedule Your Posts Ahead Of Time Using A Tool Like Hootsuite Or Buffer

It’s no secret that smart time management is key to a successful social media strategy. Using a tool such as Hootsuite or Buffer will allow you to stay one step ahead and give the purpose and direction of your post. Scheduling your posts ahead of time ensures that content is delivered on an organized timeline instead of in sporadic bursts. Aside from simply scheduling the posts, these tools also allow you to monitor their performance, giving you insight into what types of content resonate most with your followers and providing valuable data for other aspects of your overall strategy.

Monitor Your Conversations And Engage With Other Users As Much As Possible

Social media can be a great way to build relationships and start meaningful conversations with other users, but it’s important to remember that what you say and how you interact on these platforms reflects on you as an individual. As such, it’s crucial to monitor your conversations, especially the types of language you use, in order to maintain a sense of professionalism while engaging with other users. Ask yourself – is this something I’d want my colleagues or employers to read? It can help to think of social media as a job interview – rather than getting carried away in replying quickly or rashly, take some time to thoughtfully consider your words before hitting ‘send’.

Try Out Various Content Types, Including Videos, Images, GIFs, Polls, And Quizzes

If you want to spruce up your content and make it more engaging, why not experiment with different types of content such as videos, images, GIFs, polls, and quizzes? Not only can this diversify the look and presentation of your blog or website, but it gives the reader a richer experience by providing multiple layers of information. Videos form connections because viewers get to see and hear people they relate to while images draw out imaginations in stories they never knew existed. GIFs provide a light-hearted context that encourages readers to laugh—something we all need right now! Finally, polls and quizzes are designed to elicit reactions from readers—great for both understanding your audience and promoting discussion among users. There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to producing content; be creative and have fun creating something unique for your viewers!

Track The Performance Of Your Posts Using Analytics Tools Like Google Analytics or Facebook Insights

As a content creator, you’ve probably poured a lot of effort into crafting the perfect post for your followers. One way to optimize your hard work is by tracking its performance using analytics tools like Google Analytics or Facebook Insights. With these tools, you can measure metrics such as the number of page views, sessions, visitors, and demographics so that you can get an individualized report about how your posts are being received. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to figure out strategies to tweak and refine your ideas for maximum impact in the future. Don’t worry if this seems daunting–it’s easier than it looks! There are plenty of user-friendly versions that allow anyone to understand their data and apply it toward their content creation journey. Give it a try today!

Social media can be an incredibly rewarding and powerful tool if used correctly. It opens up the possibility of connecting with customers and people who you may never have been able to reach through traditional methods. By developing a content strategy and developing your skills, you can start to use social media as a powerful tool for driving customer engagement and boosting your online presence. As with anything online, it’s important to do your research before diving in. Invest time into getting to know the platforms that are most applicable to your business and make sure you bring a creative, fun, and professional approach when engaging with other users on social media. With some planning upfront, you’ll soon discover that using social media as part of your marketing plan can really pay off!

ASAI to implement Artificial Intelligence tools as new research reveals 63% of consumers are concerned by inauthenticity of social media influencers

Artificial Intelligence (AI) that evaluates activity by social media influencers and assesses if they are disclosing content correctly or not is to be implemented by the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI), the independent, self-regulatory body committed to promoting the highest standards of marketing communications in Ireland.

The announcement comes as the organisation unveils new research that reveals that a lack of authenticity, edited photos, too many paid ads and influencers misrepresenting real life are the top traits that cause annoyance amongst Irish consumers.

The survey was conducted as part of the ASAI’s ongoing commitment to understand consumer issues and concerns regarding influencer marketing, so the organisation can continue to proactively provide guidance in this area and increase the monitoring of those who consistently breach the advertising code. The survey results are based on the views of 1,000 participants across a broad demographic, interviewed online and representative of the adult population.

Nearly 7 in 10 (67%) are familiar with the practice of influencer marketing, with awareness being highest (75%) amongst those age 35 and under. A majority (71%) believe that when an influencer posts an ad, they are being paid by the brand to post positive content, which is slightly down from 80% in 2021.

While the research found that 84% of consumers use social media apps frequently and almost 40% of those use it for tips or inspiration, consumer confidence in what they’re seeing online is still extremely low, with just one in 10 consumers having trust in influencers’ posts, while over 62% believe that influencers post too much sponsored content. Echoing similar results to the recent Social Media Influencer Report released by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) in December, this research reveals that there is a severe lack of trust between influencers and consumers.

Some of the top traits people find most ‘annoying’ from influencers according to the ASAI research include edited photos (67%) and influencers who do not come across as authentic (63%). Almost 60% of Irish consumers (56%) trust brand advertisements more than social posts by influencers. As was the case in 2021 according to the ASAI’s first Influencer Marketing Survey, over half (51%) of people in Ireland say they are concerned by the lack of transparency in influencer marketing.

The research also provides insight into people’s understanding of the use of hashtags and labelling in online advertising. Over half of consumers (55%) were able to reference various hashtags or phrases used to identify influencer advertising content – down 11% since last year. Among the most frequently recognised were #sponsored (61%), #ad (55%) and #paidpartnership (46%). However, 59% of people confirmed they didn’t recognise #sp and 54% didn’t recognise the hashtag #iworkwith. 71% of people were aware that when an influencer posts an affiliate link that they are being paid by the brand being linked.

While the majority of people might find these results surprising, the ASAI has found that some of the statistics in fact correspond with what the organisation has discovered already as part of their ongoing work in the area of Influencer Marketing. For example, the ASAI has strict guidelines around the disclosure of influencer content, having introduced revised guidance on the ‘Recognisability of Marketing Communications’ in 2021. This guidance note covered commercial content created on behalf of brands as well as commercial content created by influencers for their own products and services. However, the results of this research indicate that there is a need for additional guidance for both consumers and influencers, particularly around labelling, correct ways to disclose and to re-enforce the importance of influencers adhering to the Advertising Code.

The ASAI are working with the CCPC on updated guidance to ensure there is increased clarity in relation to responsibilities and requirements from influencers when advertising on social media.

Commenting on the research, Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of the ASAI, said:

“As we can see from this research over half those surveyed remain bothered by both the lack of transparency in influencer marketing and not being able to distinguish content from advertising, which echoes similar results to the Social Media Influencer Report released by the CCPC last December.  Both the ASAI research and the CCPC report show that there is a need for more transparency from influencers with regard to labelling their sponsored content clearly and correctly, as well as more guidance and education for both consumers and influencers alike in this space. To help with this we are planning to continue implementing the use of AI tools and working with the CCPC to develop further guidance.”

Kevin O’Brien, Member of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission said:

“The CCPC welcomes the ASAI’s on-going work on consumers’ understanding of how influencers and brands operate on social media platforms. Similar to our own research, published late last year, the ASAI’s research reinforces that platforms and brands must take greater responsibility for educating and informing their users and consumers, and must support influencers  in clearly and consistently labelling paid content so that consumers are not misled. We look forward to working with the ASAI in developing guidance which will assist influencers, brands and consumers in this regard.”

The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland is committed, in the public interest, to promoting the highest standards of marketing communications that is advertising, promotional marketing, and direct marketing. The objective is to ensure that all commercial marketing communications are ‘legal, decent, honest and truthful’.

Media are required to abide by the Code and not to publish an advertisement or conduct a promotion which contravenes Code rules. The Code covers commercial marketing communications and sales promotions in all media in Ireland including digital (online banners, websites, and social platforms), print, outdoor, radio, TV, leaflets/brochures, and direct marketing.

 

Further information on advertising self-regulation, the ASAI, and the operation of the system is available at www.asai.ie

Can Anyone Find You Using a People Search Engine?

Nowadays, it’s become very easy to search for people than it was in the past. Information is just a few clicks away, thanks to the internet. One tool that’s proven to be highly efficient in the process is the people search engine. However, many people don’t know how to use people search engines to find someone or if anyone can find them using one.

Social networks like Facebook and Twitter play a crucial role in finding information about people. They can also be used like people search engines. You can look up neighbors, coworkers, a new romantic interest, etc.

The truth is that, yes, anyone can find you if you have a digital footprint. Few people lack one completely. This has its pluses and minuses. On the plus side, you can track down an old friend, an ex you want to get back together with, or a long-lost family member. On the minus side, anyone can find you just as easily. Often, they don’t need more than your name and a few more basic details.

Before moving any further, let’s explain what this search engine is.

Defining “people search engine”

A people search engine lets you find someone’s phone number, address, and any other information that became public at one point in the past. You can check if someone has a criminal background or has been arrested.

You can also use one if you want to buy a real estate property and want to make sure the seller is legitimate. Prospective buyers will run a background check on the seller to probe their records and protect themselves from scams.

What other information can you get?

  • Full name
  • Current mailing address
  • Age
  • Phone numbers
  • Divorces and marriages
  • Resumes and employment history
  • Deaths and other civil records
  • Social media accounts
  • Relatives’ names
  • Mugshot and criminal records
  • Videos and pictures

Are people search engines free?

Some of them claim to be free, but they come with hidden costs. You can do a free search, but you’ll be asked to make a payment to get the results. This can be a one-time fee, or you might be asked to sign up and pay monthly or yearly. If you’re doing lots of people searches, the costs will add up. The list of search engines on Google is practically endless. Many of them have the same owner.

How to keep your data safe

People finders use public records and information from data brokers to get information, which they compile into databases. They also buy information from social media and online shops and scrape the web for data. They can find you based on blog posts, forum posts, comments, etc. They create a profile of you based on the info from any such sources and sell it.

Some people have looked themselves up and found inaccurate information. If it’s harmless, it might even be amusing. If it’s negative and you’re applying for a job, it’s another story.

Ignorance is not bliss

When you consent to the collection of your data by social networks and other websites, they have the right to share it with third parties. This means they can sell your phone number and other information to literally anyone, often for a negligible amount. It can also mean your profile info gets added to these databases, filling information gaps on the people search engine.

Few people grasp this, and some entities are taking advantage of that. Until recently, some social networks asked for users’ real names, claiming it would make them “behave better.” There has never been any evidence of this. Data collection was the only purpose.

Social media are not free

They’re not. They sell their users’ personal data to make money. Data protection regulations have definitely improved, but there’s still a way to go. Facebook would trade or sell personal data without giving the person a share of the profits.

To answer the title question: yes, anyone can find you using a people finder if there is publicly available information about you on the internet. If you want to keep your data safe, do a self-check on one of these sites to see what emerges, and if you don’t like the results, ask the website that published your info to remove it.