Research conducted by the John Locke Foundation and supported by a national survey from Viralyft reveals that North Carolinians are following national trends by moving away from popular social media platforms, especially Facebook. The data, collected by analyzing Google Trends searches for terms like “download Facebook” or “delete Facebook,” indicates a decline in the use of Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, with YouTube being the most downloaded app.
The research also highlights the growing popularity of video platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, which are gaining traction among users seeking short-form video content over traditional social media apps. The addictive nature of social media, privacy concerns, and the increasing preference for video content are cited as reasons for users deleting and downloading social media apps frequently.
While TikTok did not make it to Viralyft’s rankings, it appeared on both the download and delete lists in the Locke Foundation’s research, indicating its relevance among young users. Trends towards video content are reshaping social media usage, with platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts becoming interchangeable for content creators seeking to reach wider audiences.
Additionally, the increasing integration of commerce within social media apps, like the Instagram store and TikTok shop, is blurring the lines between social media and e-commerce, providing users with more opportunities to engage with content and make purchases. The research also raises concerns about the influence of Chinese-owned apps like TikTok on young, impressionable users and the implications of the attention economy on the future of social media platforms.
Overall, the research conducted by the John Locke Foundation in North Carolina aligns with national trends showing a shift in social media usage patterns towards video content and away from traditional platforms like Facebook.
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