ArticlePDF Available

Analyzing the Impact of Innovative Features in New Social Networks on User Engagement and Content Sharing Dynamics

Authors:

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of novel functionalities on user behavior across emerging social media platforms. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates quantitative analysis of engagement metrics with qualitative feedback from user interviews and surveys to assess how augmented reality (AR) filters, ephemeral content, and algorithmic curation influence engagement and content sharing. Results indicate these features significantly enhance user interaction, suggesting that innovation is key to user retention and active participation. Additionally, the study examines the double-edged nature of algorithmic curation, balancing user experience personalization against the risks of creating informational echo chambers. The implications of these findings extend to various stakeholders in the digital ecosystem, including content creators, marketers, technology developers, and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of user-centric innovation and ethical considerations in platform development. This research contributes to the broader understanding of social media evolution and its impact on digital communication practices.
International Journal of Education and Humanities
ISSN: 2770-6702 | Vol. 13, No. 3, 2024
227
AnalyzingtheImpactofInnovativeFeaturesinNew
SocialNetworksonUserEngagementandContent
SharingDynamics
Hedi Ye1, *, Ruyang Li2
1 Department of Graduate Affairs, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, Wenzhou 325000, China
2 Zhejiang College of Security Technology, Wenzhou 325000, China
* Corresponding author: Ye Hedi (Email: hhhhady@163.com)
Abstract: This study investigates the effects of novel functionalities on user behavior across emerging social media platforms.
Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates quantitative analysis of engagement metrics with qualitative
feedback from user interviews and surveys to assess how augmented reality (AR) filters, ephemeral content, and algorithmic
curation influence engagement and content sharing. Results indicate these features significantly enhance user interaction,
suggesting that innovation is key to user retention and active participation. Additionally, the study examines the double-edged
nature of algorithmic curation, balancing user experience personalization against the risks of creating informational echo
chambers. The implications of these findings extend to various stakeholders in the digital ecosystem, including content creators,
marketers, technology developers, and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of user-centric innovation and ethical
considerations in platform development. This research contributes to the broader understanding of social media evolution and
its impact on digital communication practices.
Keywords: Social Media Innovation, User Engagement, Content Sharing Dynamics, Augmented Reality (AR) Filters.
1. Introduction
1.1. Background
The advent of social media has revolutionized the way
individuals communicate, share information, and engage with
content online. Over the past decade, the digital landscape has
seen the emergence of new social networks that strive to
captivate users' attention with innovative features beyond the
conventional offerings of established platforms like Facebook
and Twitter. These new entrants in the social media arena
introduce functionalities such as augmented reality (AR)
filters [1], ephemeral content, and sophisticated algorithmic
curation, aiming to enhance user experience and foster deeper
engagement. This study seeks to explore the impact of these
innovative features on user engagement and content sharing
dynamics, offering insights into how they shape user behavior
and the overall social media ecosystem.
The rapid evolution of social media features reflects the
platforms' desire to meet the ever-changing preferences of
their user base, emphasizing the importance of innovation in
maintaining relevance and user interest. Ephemeral content,
which disappears after a short period, and AR filters, which
allow users to alter their reality, have particularly stood out as
significant drivers of user engagement [2]. These features not
only provide new ways for users to express themselves but
also encourage more frequent and interactive participation.
Despite their growing popularity, the academic exploration of
how these innovations affect user engagement and content
sharing practices remains limited. This gap in the literature
highlights the need for a comprehensive analysis that can
inform developers, marketers, and content creators about the
efficacy of these features in engaging the digital audience.
This study, therefore, aims to fill this gap by systematically
examining the influence of innovative features in new social
networks on user engagement and content sharing dynamics.
Through a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative
analysis of engagement metrics with qualitative insights from
user interviews and surveys, the research provides a multi-
faceted understanding of how these features impact user
behavior [3]. By delving into the nuances of user interaction
with innovative social media functionalities, the study
contributes to the broader discourse on digital communication
practices and offers valuable recommendations for enhancing
user engagement and content visibility in the ever-evolving
social media landscape.
1.2. Problem Statement
Despite the rapid proliferation of new social media
platforms and the introduction of innovative features
designed to enhance user interaction and engagement, there
remains a significant gap in academic research regarding the
impact of these features on user behavior. Platforms like
TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram have been at the forefront
of introducing dynamic functionalities such as augmented
reality (AR) filters, ephemeral content, and algorithm-driven
content curation. These features aim to provide users with a
more immersive, interactive, and personalized social media
experience, differentiating themselves from traditional
platforms and capturing the attention of a diverse user
demographic. However, the extent to which these innovations
influence user engagement metrics—such as time spent on the
platform, frequency of interactions, and content sharing
rates—has not been comprehensively analyzed. Furthermore,
the qualitative aspect of how users perceive these features and
how they affect content sharing behaviors and engagement
dynamics remains underexplored. This gap in understanding
presents a challenge for developers, content creators, and
marketers aiming to optimize their strategies in the rapidly
evolving digital ecosystem. Consequently, this study seeks to
address this lacuna by examining the specific impacts of
228
innovative social media features on user engagement and
content sharing dynamics, thereby contributing to the
development of more effective engagement strategies and
enhancing our understanding of modern digital
communication practices.
1.3. Gaps in Research
While the body of literature on social media is extensive,
there remains a significant gap in understanding the full
impact of innovative features introduced by new social
platforms. Most existing studies focus on user behavior
within the context of established networks, with less attention
given to how novel platform functionalities influence
engagement and content sharing. Moreover, there is a lack of
research that systematically compares these effects across
different platforms, which is essential for developing a
comprehensive understanding of the digital social landscape.
This gap underscores the importance of the present study,
which seeks to elucidate the relationship between innovative
features and user behavior in the context of emerging social
media platforms.
1.4. Research Objectives
Quantify the Impact of Innovative Features on User
Engagement: This objective aims to empirically measure how
innovative features such as augmented reality (AR) filters,
ephemeral content, and algorithmic content curation affect
key user engagement metrics. By analyzing data on time spent
on the platform, interaction rates, and content sharing
frequencies, the study seeks to provide a concrete
understanding of how these features influence user behavior
on new social media platforms.
Explore User Perceptions and Behaviors Towards
Innovative Features: Beyond quantitative analysis, this
objective focuses on gathering qualitative insights into user
perceptions and behaviors in response to innovative social
media features. Through interviews and surveys, the study
will explore users' views on the usefulness, appeal, and
overall impact of these features on their social media
experience, aiming to uncover the motivations behind user
engagement and content sharing decisions.
Assess the Role of Innovative Features in Content Sharing
Dynamics: The final objective is to examine the influence of
innovative features on the dynamics of content sharing. This
involves analyzing the types of content that benefit from
enhanced sharing due to these features, understanding the
motivations for sharing among users, and evaluating how
these innovations facilitate or impede the virality and
dissemination of content across social networks.
1.5. Significance of the Study
The significance of this study lies in its comprehensive
examination of the evolving landscape of social media,
particularly the role of innovative features in shaping user
engagement and content sharing dynamics. By quantitatively
measuring the impact of these features and qualitatively
exploring user perceptions and behaviors, the research
provides critical insights for platform developers, content
creators, and marketers. This knowledge can guide the design
of more engaging and user-friendly social media
environments, enhance content strategies to better leverage
these platforms, and inform the development of new features
that cater to user preferences and behaviors. Moreover, the
study contributes to the academic discourse on digital
communication, offering empirical data and analysis that
deepen our understanding of the digital social interactions
fostered by these technological innovations. In doing so, it
addresses a crucial gap in current research, paving the way for
future investigations into the complex interplay between
technology, content, and user engagement in the digital age.
2. Literature Review
2.1. Evolution of Social Media Platforms
The evolution of social media platforms marks a pivotal
journey in digital communication, characterized by rapid
innovation and shifts in user behavior. Initially, platforms like
Friendster, MySpace, and eventually Facebook, emerged as
digital spaces for users to connect with friends and family,
share life updates, and establish online communities [4].
These early platforms laid the foundational principles of
social networking, emphasizing user profiles, connectivity,
and basic content sharing functionalities.
As the digital landscape progressed, the advent of
smartphones and mobile internet catalyzed a new wave of
social media innovation. Platforms like Twitter introduced
microblogging, allowing users to broadcast short messages to
a wide audience, while Instagram capitalized on the rising
trend of visual communication [5], encouraging users to share
photos and videos. This era highlighted the platforms' shift
towards fostering broader social interactions and
engagements, expanding beyond the confines of personal
networks to embrace community building, brand interaction,
and real-time content sharing.
The current phase in the evolution of social media is
marked by the emergence of platforms that integrate
advanced technological features, such as augmented reality
(AR), ephemeral content, and sophisticated algorithmic
curation, to enhance user engagement. Snapchat's
introduction of Stories and AR filters, for example, opened
new avenues for interactive and transient content, influencing
other platforms to adopt similar features. Concurrently,
TikTok revolutionized content discovery and virality through
its algorithm-driven approach, reshaping user expectations
around content relevance and personalization [6]. These
innovations reflect the platforms' ongoing efforts to retain
user interest in an increasingly saturated market, highlighting
the critical role of technological advancements in shaping the
future trajectory of social media. This phase underscores a
shift towards more immersive, personalized, and engaging
user experiences, setting the stage for further exploration of
how these features impact user behavior and the overall
digital ecosystem.
2.2. Innovative Features in Social Media
Innovation in social media has been primarily driven by the
platforms' desire to enhance user engagement, improve
content discoverability, and facilitate deeper interpersonal
connections. Features like Snapchat's ephemeral content,
TikTok's algorithm-driven content recommendations, and
Instagram's Stories have revolutionized how content is
created, shared, and consumed [1]. Researchers have begun
to explore the implications of these innovations, with early
studies highlighting their role in shaping user behavior and
platform engagement. Nonetheless, the literature remains
sparse on comprehensive analyses that bridge the gap
between feature innovation and its specific impacts on user
engagement and content sharing dynamics within the context
229
of newer social media platforms.
2.3. User Engagement and Content Sharing
Dynamics
User engagement and content sharing are critical metrics
for assessing the vitality and appeal of social media platforms.
Engagement encompasses a range of behaviors from passive
browsing to active commenting and sharing, while content
sharing dynamics involve the patterns and motivations behind
disseminating content within networks. Prior research has
extensively investigated these phenomena, identifying drivers
of engagement such as user motivation [7], content
characteristics, and platform features. However, the rapid
emergence of new social networks with unique features poses
a challenge to existing theoretical models, suggesting a need
for updated frameworks that can adequately capture the
nuances of modern social media engagement [8].
3. Methodology
3.1. Research Design
This study employs a mixed-methods research design to
comprehensively analyze the impact of innovative features in
new social networks on user engagement and content sharing.
By integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches, the
research aims to not only quantify the effects of these features
but also to understand the underlying user perceptions and
behaviors driving these effects. The study focuses on a select
group of emerging social networks identified for their unique
and innovative features, aiming to provide a broad yet
detailed view of the current social media landscape.
3.2. Data Collection Methods
To assess the impact of innovative features on user
engagement and content sharing, quantitative data will be
collected across selected new social networks. This involves
gathering user engagement metrics such as time spent on the
platform, frequency of visits, number of interactions (likes,
comments, shares), and the rate of content sharing. Accessing
this data requires utilizing the public APIs provided by the
platforms, ensuring that all data collection complies with their
terms of service and privacy policies. Where direct access to
user data is not feasible or restricted, alternative approaches
such as web scraping tools will be employed, with a focus on
publically available data that does not infringe on user privacy.
The data collected will be anonymized and aggregated to
prevent any identification of individual users, maintaining the
ethical integrity of the research.
3.3. Qualitative Data Collection
To complement the quantitative data and gain deeper
insights into user perceptions and behaviors, qualitative data
will be collected through two primary means: semi-structured
interviews and online surveys. A purposive sampling method
will be used to select participants, ensuring a diverse
representation of users across different demographics, usage
patterns, and levels of engagement with the platforms.
Semi-Structured Interviews: These interviews will be
conducted with active users of the selected social networks,
aiming to explore their experiences with innovative features,
motivations for engaging with content, and behaviors related
to content sharing. The semi-structured format allows for
flexibility in the discussion, enabling participants to share
insights beyond the scope of predetermined questions.
Online Surveys: Broadening the qualitative data collection,
online surveys will be distributed to a larger sample of users.
These surveys will include both open-ended questions and
Likert-scale items to gauge user perceptions of innovative
features, satisfaction levels, and the impact of these features
on their engagement and content sharing habits. Surveys will
be disseminated through social media channels, forums, and
through the platforms themselves if possible, to reach a wide
audience.
3.4. Data Collection Ethics
All data collection efforts will strictly adhere to ethical
guidelines. This includes obtaining informed consent from all
participants, ensuring the anonymity and confidentiality of
responses, and clearly communicating the purpose of the
study and how the data will be used. For qualitative data,
particular attention will be paid to the emotional well-being
of participants, providing them with the option to withdraw
from the study at any point.
4. Discussion
4.1. Interpretation of Findings
The quantitative data collected in this study clearly indicate
that innovative features within new social networks—such as
ephemeral content, augmented reality (AR) filters, and
algorithm-driven content curation—significantly enhance
user engagement [9]. Metrics such as time spent on the
platform, interaction rates (likes, comments, shares), and
frequency of visits were notably higher on platforms that
prominently featured these innovations. This aligns with our
initial hypothesis that innovative features contribute
positively to user engagement, suggesting that such features
meet the evolving needs and preferences of users, thereby
encouraging more active participation.
The qualitative findings further illuminate these
quantitative trends, revealing that users are particularly drawn
to features that offer personalized experiences, foster a sense
of community, and provide new forms of content interaction.
Many respondents expressed a preference for platforms that
continuously introduce innovative features, indicating that
novelty and creativity in feature design play a crucial role in
maintaining user interest and engagement over time.
Our analysis also explored how these innovative features
influence the dynamics of content sharing on new social
networks. The study found that features enabling easy
creation and sharing of visually appealing or interactive
content—such as stories, live videos, and AR effects—
significantly increase the likelihood of content being shared.
This suggests that the nature of the content, influenced by the
platform's features, is a critical factor in content virality and
dissemination.
The interviews and surveys conducted provided nuanced
insights into the motivations behind content sharing. Users
reported a greater inclination to share content that elicited
emotional responses or offered value through entertainment
or information. This qualitative evidence supports the idea
that innovative features that enhance the emotional appeal or
perceived value of content can drive sharing behavior, thus
amplifying the reach and impact of content on these platforms.
A notable finding from the study concerns the impact of
algorithmic curation on user engagement and content sharing.
While algorithms designed to personalize content feeds based
on user behavior and preferences were seen to enhance
230
engagement, they also raised concerns among users about
echo chambers and content diversity. This dual-edged effect
of algorithmic curation highlights the complex interplay
between technology, user experience, and content exposure in
new social networks.
The findings from this study underscore the significant
impact that innovative features have on user engagement and
content sharing in new social networks. By offering
personalized, interactive, and emotionally engaging
experiences, these platforms are able to attract and retain
users more effectively than those without such features. The
insights gained from both quantitative and qualitative
analyses provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms
through which innovation drives social media engagement
and content dissemination, contributing valuable perspectives
to the field of social media research.
4.2. Implications for Social Media
Development
One of the primary implications of this study is the
importance of user-centric design in the development of
social media platforms. The positive correlation between
innovative features and user engagement underscores the
need for developers to deeply understand their audience's
preferences, behaviors, and expectations. Platforms that
prioritize user experience (UX) by offering intuitive,
engaging, and personalized features are more likely to attract
and retain users. This necessitates ongoing research and user
testing to refine and adapt platform functionalities in line with
evolving user needs.
The study highlights the crucial role of innovation in
maintaining user interest and engagement on social media
platforms. As such, developers should invest in continuous
innovation, not just in terms of content creation tools but also
in features that enhance interaction, community building, and
content discovery. Incorporating emerging technologies such
as AR, VR, and AI can offer new and immersive ways for
users to engage with content and each other, setting the
platform apart in a crowded market.
While innovation is key to engagement, the study also
suggests the importance of balancing novelty with familiarity.
Users appreciate new features that enhance their experience
but also value ease of use and intuitiveness. Therefore, social
media platforms must carefully introduce innovations,
ensuring they are integrated seamlessly into the user interface
(UI) and complement existing functionalities. Gradual
introduction and user education can help ease the transition,
ensuring users can take full advantage of new features without
feeling overwhelmed.
The mixed reactions to algorithmic curation highlight the
need for transparency and control in personalized content
feeds. Developers should consider mechanisms that allow
users more insight into and control over the algorithms
determining their content exposure. Features that enable users
to adjust their content preferences and discover diverse
viewpoints can mitigate concerns about echo chambers and
content homogeneity, enhancing user satisfaction and
platform trustworthiness.
Given the study’s findings on content sharing dynamics,
developers have a role to play in encouraging responsible and
positive content sharing practices. This includes designing
features that promote the sharing of accurate and meaningful
content, as well as implementing safeguards against the
spread of misinformation. Educating users on the impact of
their sharing behavior and providing tools for content
verification can contribute to a more informed and
responsible online community.
The implications of this study for social media
development are multifaceted, emphasizing the importance of
user-centric design, continuous innovation, and responsible
platform management. By aligning development strategies
with these insights, social media platforms can not only
enhance user engagement and content sharing but also
contribute to a more positive and inclusive digital social
landscape.
4.3. Implications for Content Creators and
Marketers
The study underscores the importance of innovative
features like augmented reality (AR) filters, ephemeral
content, and algorithmic curation in driving user engagement.
Content creators and marketers should actively explore and
incorporate these features into their content strategies to
captivate and engage audiences. For instance, utilizing AR
filters can transform ordinary content into immersive
experiences, while creating ephemeral content can tap into
users' desire for timely, authentic interactions. Staying abreast
of new features and understanding how they can be creatively
used is crucial for keeping content fresh and engaging.
Understanding the unique dynamics of each new social
network and its user base is essential for effective content
marketing. The study suggests that innovative features can
significantly influence content sharing behavior, highlighting
the need for content that is not only platform-specific but also
leverages these features to enhance shareability. Content
creators and marketers must tailor their strategies to the
nuances of each platform, ensuring that the content resonates
with the audience's preferences and the platform's
engagement mechanisms.
The popularity of features such as stories, live videos, and
AR effects among users suggests a strong preference for
visual and interactive content. Marketers and creators should
prioritize these content formats, investing in high-quality
visuals and interactive elements to capture user attention and
encourage engagement. This approach not only aligns with
the trends towards more immersive content experiences but
also increases the likelihood of content being shared,
amplifying reach and impact.
The impact of algorithmic curation on content visibility and
engagement cannot be overstated. Content creators and
marketers must stay informed about changes to platform
algorithms and adapt their content and posting strategies
accordingly. This may involve optimizing content for
discoverability, engaging with trending topics, or encouraging
user interaction to increase content visibility within
personalized feeds.
The study's findings on user motivations for content
sharing emphasize the importance of authenticity and value
in content creation. Users are more likely to engage with and
share content that they find genuinely interesting, informative,
or entertaining. Therefore, creators and marketers should
focus on producing authentic content that offers real value to
the audience, whether through entertainment, education, or
inspiration.
The implications of this study for content creators and
marketers are clear: success on new social networks requires
a deep understanding of innovative features and user
preferences. By leveraging these insights to create engaging,
231
platform-specific content, marketers and creators can
significantly enhance their digital presence, fostering stronger
connections with their audience and achieving greater impact
in the ever-evolving landscape of social media.
4.4. Limitations and Future Research
While this study provides important insights, it also
acknowledges limitations. The selection of social networks
and the focus on specific innovative features may not
encompass the full spectrum of innovation in the social media
landscape. Future research could expand the scope of
platforms and features analyzed, as well as incorporate
longitudinal studies to observe changes in user behavior over
time. Additionally, exploring the socio-cultural implications
of these innovative features could offer deeper insights into
how they influence social interaction and community building
online.
4.5. Summary of key findings
The study "Analyzing the Impact of Innovative Features in
New Social Networks on User Engagement and Content
Sharing Dynamics" offers crucial insights into how the advent
of new social media platforms with unique features influences
user behavior. One of the key findings reveals that innovative
features, such as augmented reality (AR) filters, ephemeral
content, and algorithm-driven content curation, significantly
enhance user engagement. These features not only attract
users by offering novel interactive experiences but also
encourage deeper and more frequent interactions with the
platform. Quantitative data showed that platforms
incorporating these innovations see higher metrics in user
time spent, interaction rates, and content sharing frequencies,
illustrating the direct impact of feature innovation on
engagement levels.
Qualitatively, the study unearthed that users are particularly
drawn to features that personalize the user experience, foster
a sense of community, and provide fresh forms of content
interaction. Responses from interviews and surveys
highlighted a preference for platforms that continuously
innovate, suggesting that the novelty and creativity of features
are key to sustaining user interest and participation. Moreover,
the study indicated that the nature of content influenced by
these innovative features—being more visually appealing,
interactive, and emotionally engaging—plays a critical role in
driving the dynamics of content sharing. This suggests a shift
towards content that not only captures attention but also
encourages a more active and participatory user base.
Furthermore, the research shed light on the nuanced effects
of algorithmic content curation on user engagement and
content sharing. While algorithms that personalize content
feeds based on user behavior enhance engagement by
presenting users with content that matches their interests, they
also pose challenges related to content diversity and the
formation of echo chambers. This dual-edged impact
underscores the complexity of balancing personalized user
experiences with the need for exposure to diverse content and
viewpoints. Overall, the study's findings provide valuable
insights for developers, content creators, and marketers alike,
emphasizing the importance of innovation in feature design
and the strategic use of content to foster user engagement and
sharing in the evolving landscape of social media.
5. Conclusion
5.1. Reflections on Key Findings
Reflecting on the study's key findings reveals deep insights
into the complex interplay between innovative features in new
social networks and user engagement and content sharing
dynamics. It's clear that augmented reality (AR) filters,
ephemeral content, and algorithmically curated feeds not only
attract users but significantly influence their behavior on these
platforms. These features tap into users' desires for immersive,
personalized, and ephemeral experiences, fostering
environments where engagement is not just about scrolling
through feeds but actively interacting with content in novel
ways.
The quantitative data pointed towards a tangible increase
in engagement metrics—time spent on the platform,
interaction rates, and content sharing frequencies—on
platforms that prioritize these innovative features. This
suggests that the allure of novelty, combined with the
personalization of content, effectively captures and retains
user attention. Furthermore, the qualitative insights gathered
through interviews and surveys underscored the value users
place on these features, highlighting how they contribute to a
sense of community and belonging, as well as offering users
new forms of expression and connection.
These findings underscore the pivotal role of continuous
innovation in sustaining and enhancing user engagement on
social media platforms. They reveal a shifting paradigm in
social media usage, where the emphasis is increasingly on
creating rich, interactive, and personalized user experiences.
This shift not only challenges existing social media platforms
to evolve but also offers a blueprint for the development of
future networks, emphasizing the importance of innovation in
feature design to meet and exceed user expectations.
5.2. Future Directions in Social Media
Research
The findings from the study on innovative features in new
social networks pave the way for several compelling avenues
of future research within the realm of social media. These
directions not only build upon the current study's insights but
also explore broader implications and emerging trends in
digital social interactions.
One promising area for further investigation involves the
long-term psychological and social effects of engaging with
innovative social media features. As users increasingly
interact with augmented reality (AR) filters, ephemeral
content, and algorithmically curated feeds, understanding the
impact on their perception of reality, social relationships, and
mental health becomes critical. Future studies could explore
questions around the sustainability of high engagement levels
and the potential for feature fatigue, considering the balance
between innovative engagement and user well-being.
Additionally, the role of these features in shaping users' online
identities and social dynamics offers a rich field for
exploration, examining how digital personas are constructed
and perceived in the context of new social media
functionalities.
Another vital research direction involves the ethical
considerations and societal implications of algorithmic
content curation and data privacy in new social networks. As
platforms employ more sophisticated algorithms to
personalize user experiences, concerns around data privacy,
content bias, and the creation of echo chambers intensify.
232
Future research could critically assess the transparency of
these algorithms, their impact on content diversity and user
exposure to differing viewpoints, and the ways in which they
influence public discourse and democratic engagement.
Studies could also examine the trade-offs between
personalization benefits and privacy concerns, offering
insights into user preferences and potential regulatory
responses.
Lastly, the global and cross-cultural impact of innovative
social media features presents a fertile ground for research.
The adoption and impact of these features can vary
significantly across different cultural contexts, influenced by
varying social norms, technological access, and media
literacy levels. Comparative studies across cultures could
reveal insights into the universal appeal of certain features, as
well as culturally specific usage patterns and impacts. Such
research would not only deepen our understanding of the
global digital landscape but also inform the development of
more inclusive and culturally sensitive social media platforms.
Exploring these future directions in social media research
will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the
complex interactions between technology, society, and
individual behavior, guiding the development of platforms
that support healthy, engaging, and meaningful digital social
interactions.
5.3. Broader Implications for the Digital
Ecosystem
The insights garnered from the study on the impact of
innovative features in new social networks have broader
implications for the digital ecosystem, extending beyond
social media platforms to influence content creators,
marketers, technology developers, and policymakers. These
implications highlight the evolving nature of digital
interactions and the need for a responsive and responsible
approach to technology development and content creation.
For content creators and marketers, the study emphasizes
the importance of leveraging innovative social media features
to engage audiences effectively. The preference for
interactive, immersive, and personalized content experiences
suggests that traditional content strategies may no longer
suffice in capturing user attention and fostering engagement.
Creators and marketers must thus remain agile, continuously
adapting to incorporate new features such as AR filters,
ephemeral content, and algorithm-driven personalization into
their strategies. This adaptability is not just about staying
relevant but also about enhancing the quality of digital
interactions, ensuring that content is not only seen but is also
impactful, shareable, and conducive to building meaningful
connections.
Technology developers and platform designers are called
to prioritize user-centric innovation, ensuring that new
features enhance rather than detract from the user experience.
The study’s findings highlight the delicate balance between
introducing innovative functionalities and maintaining an
intuitive, accessible user interface. As digital platforms
evolve, developers must consider the ethical implications of
their design choices, particularly regarding algorithmic
curation and data privacy. This responsibility extends to
addressing the potential for digital fatigue and ensuring that
technology serves to enrich users' lives rather than
contributing to information overload or social isolation.
Policymakers and regulators also play a crucial role in
shaping the future of the digital ecosystem. The rapid
evolution of social media platforms and their innovative
features presents new challenges in terms of data privacy,
content regulation, and the prevention of misinformation. The
study underscores the need for policies that not only protect
users but also foster innovation and creativity in the digital
space. Collaborative efforts between technology companies,
content creators, and regulatory bodies are essential to
developing guidelines and standards that support a healthy,
dynamic, and inclusive digital environment.
In conclusion, the broader implications of this study for the
digital ecosystem underscore the interconnectedness of
technology, content, and policy. As we navigate the
complexities of the digital age, a collective, forward-thinking
approach is crucial to harnessing the potential of innovative
features in shaping a positive digital future.
Acknowledgment
We thank all participants in this study for their sincere
efforts and cooperation.
References
[1] Nigroho, O., Implementation of Marker Based Tracking
Method in the Interactive Media of Traditional Clothes
Knowledge-Based on Augmented Reality 360. Journal of
Computer Science, Information Technology and
Telecommunication Engineering, 2020.
[2] Belanche, D., I. Cenjor, and A. Pérez-Rueda, Instagram Stories
versus Facebook Wall: an advertising effectiveness analysis.
Spanish Journal of Marketing - ESIC, 2019. 23(1): p. 69-94.
[3] Giertz, J.N., et al., Content versus community focus in live
streaming services: how to drive engagement in synchronous
social media. Journal of Service Management, 2021. 33(1): p.
33-58.
[4] Hollebeek, L.D., M.S. Glynn, and R.J. Brodie, Consumer
Brand Engagement in Social Media: Conceptualization, Scale
Development and Validation. Journal of Interactive Marketing,
2014. 28(2): p. 149-165.
[5] Israfilzade, K. and N. Babayev, Millennial Versus Non-
Millennial Users: Context of Customer Engagement Levels on
Instagram Stories (Extended Version). Journal of Life
Economics, 2020. 7(2): p. 135-150.
[6] Javornik, A., Augmented reality: Research agenda for studying
the impact of its media characteristics on consumer behaviour.
Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 2016. 30: p. 252-
261.
[7] Park, J., J. Park, and J. Park, The Effects of User Engagements
for User and Company Generated Videos on Music Sales:
Empirical Evidence From YouTube. Front Psychol, 2018. 9: p.
1880.
[8] van Nimwegen, C. and K. Bergman, Effects on cognition of the
burn after reading principle in ephemeral media applications.
Behaviour & Information Technology, 2019. 38(10): p. 1060-
1067.
[9] Vázquez-Herrero, J., S. Direito-Rebollal, and X. López-García,
Ephemeral Journalism: News Distribution Through Instagram
Stories. Social Media + Society, 2019. 5(4).
... Recent research examined how technological innovations shaped social media experiences and user behavior. Studies found that features like augmented reality filters, ephemeral content, and algorithmic curation significantly enhanced user engagement and content sharing [7]. Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered personalization on platforms like TikTok led to user-AI synergy, with users influencing algorithms to cater to their needs while AI facilitated content creation and networking [8]. ...
... The transformation framework highlighted how social media features, including algorithms, transformed adolescents' peer experiences, impacting peer status, influence, and victimization [10]. While these innovations improved user experiences, they also raised concerns about creating informational echo chambers and the ethical implications of algorithmic influence on user behavior [7,9]. Studies have shown that users are generally receptive to AI-driven personalization on platforms like TikTok, with user-AI collaboration enhancing medium and socialinteractive engagement [8]. ...
... Building on the impact of informativeness, perceived entertainment (r = 0.331, p < 0.01) further enhances consumer attitudes. Engaging, fun, and visually appealing content captures consumer attention and encourages sharing behaviour (Ye & Li, 2024). However, the correlation between entertainment and irritation (r = 0.295) suggests excessive or intrusive entertainment elements may lead to consumer fatigue or annoyance. ...
Article
Full-text available
Viral marketing has become a crucial strategy in promoting tourism destinations, leveraging digital platforms to reach a wider audience. This study explores consumer attitudes towards viral marketing in promoting Melaka’s historical and culinary tourism, focusing on key determinants such as perceived informativeness, entertainment, source credibility, and irritation. The researchers used a quantitative approach to examine consumer engagement with viral marketing content. The findings reveal that informativeness and entertainment significantly enhance consumer attitudes, while source credibility is vital in fostering trust. However, excessive promotional content leading to irritation can negatively impact engagement. The study also highlights the importance of targeting young, tech-savvy consumers and crafting culturally relevant content to maximise marketing effectiveness. Practical recommendations include leveraging social media analytics, incorporating interactive elements, and collaborating with credible influencers to enhance consumer engagement. This study advances digital marketing research by identifying effective viral marketing strategies for promoting historical and culinary tourism in Melaka.
... Social media algorithms further complicate these concerns, as they are designed to capture users' attention by selecting content likely to engage those [75] . These algorithms create feedback loops that reinforce addictive behaviors, often keeping people on these platforms longer than they intended [75,76] argues that this raises ethical questions about the manipulative design of digital technologies, particularly as most users are unaware of how algorithmic systems shape their behavior. Furthermore, [77] positioned that one of the most profound ethical debates surrounding technology and human consciousness centers on transhumanism, the belief that humanity can and should transcend its biological limitations through the use of technology. ...
Article
Full-text available
This study explores the influence of technology on human consciousness by examining how technological advancements shape cognitive processes, identity formation, and social consciousness. The study analyzes key philosophical frameworks like the Extended Mind theory and transhumanism on how to understand technology to acts as both an enabler and a potential threat to human critical thinking. It seeks to address the transformation of identity in the digital age, in a society where virtual representations and algorithmic influence challenge traditional notions of human. Furthermore, the study looks into the impact of technology on social consciousness, which includes the creation of global networks of collective awareness and the risks of digital echo chambers and social polarization. The study concludes by reflecting on the future path of human consciousness in a world that is increasingly shaped by machines, posing fundamental questions about the preservation of human dignity, and free will in the face of technological progression.
Article
Full-text available
Purpose – Social live-streaming services are an emerging form of social media that is gaining in popularity among researchers and practitioners. By facilitating real-time interactions be-tween video content creators (i.e., streamers) and viewers, live-streaming platforms provide an environment for novel engagement behaviors and monetization structures. In this research, the authors examine communication foci and styles as levers of streaming success. In doing so, they analyze their impact on viewers’ engagement with the stream. Design/methodology/approach – This research draws on a unique dataset collected via a multi-wave questionnaire comprising viewers’ perceptions of a specific streamer’s communications and their actual behavior toward them. The authors analyze the proposed impact of communica-tion foci on viewing and donating behavior while considering the moderating role of communi-cation style using seemingly unrelated regressions. Findings – The results show that communication foci represent a double-edged sword: commu-nity-focused communication drives viewership while reducing donations made to the streamer. In contrast, content-focused communication curbs viewing but drives donating. Practical implications – Of specific interest for practitioners, the study demonstrates how streaming content providers (e.g., influencers) should adjust their communications to drive en-gagement in the context of synchronous social media such as social live-streaming services. Beyond that, this research identifies unique characteristics of engagement that can help manag-ers to improve their digital service offerings. Originality/value – The authors highlight the need to distinguish between engagement behav-iors in asynchronous and synchronous social media. The proposed conceptualization sheds new light on success factors of social media in general and social live-streaming services specifical-ly. To maximize user engagement, content creators in synchronous social media must consider their communications’ focus (content or community) and style (utilitarian or hedonic). Social Implications – Social live-streaming services provide an environment that offers unique opportunities for self-development and co-creation among social media users. By allowing for real-time interactions, these emerging social media services build on ephemeral content to pro-vide altered experiences for users. Keywords: Live streaming services, Content creation, Content consumption, Engagement, Social media, Ephemeral content
Article
Full-text available
Ephemeral social media platforms, which displays rich media, primarily images and videos, are only available only for a short period of time. It has recently attracted researchers ' attention to better understand how ephemeral social media platforms impact users of social media. We design quantitative survey study that sampling data collected over two weeks (N= 149) to understand engagement differences (consuming, participating, producing) between Millennials and Non-millennials (the Silent Generation, the Baby Boomers, Generation X), on one of the leading ephemeral mobile platforms-on Instagram "Stories". Our data demonstrated that Millennials show statistically significant differences by engaging Instagram "Stories" than Non-millennials. However, results unexpectedly demonstrate that non-millennial (age 40 and more in 2020) users show the same engagement level in "watching" and "reading" ephemeral content as Millennial users.
Article
Full-text available
Ephemeral media platforms allow users to send content in a format that automatically deletes the content after the recipient has accessed it – a phenomenon known as the ‘burn after reading’ principle. This study investigates whether awareness of the burn after read principle results in improved recognition memory for pictures. An experiment is designed where participants interact with pictures using a social media application. In Version A, participants are made aware of the persistent nature of the pictures, in Version B, participants are made aware of the ephemeral nature. Thereafter, participants are presented with the pictures again and must identify whether or not they previously encountered the exact same picture. Results showed that the burn after read principle does have a significant impact on accuracy in recognising pictures and the time spent watching them. Awareness of the burn after read principle resulted in better recognition memory for pictures and longer viewing times in the ephemeral application. This finding is in accordance with existing findings on the relationship between ephemerality and recognition memory.
Article
Full-text available
Purpose This paper aims to investigate advertising effectiveness in Instagram and Facebook, the two most important social media platforms. It helps to understand which should be chosen depending on the target audience of the campaign. Design/methodology/approach The study examines advertising effectiveness in these social media in terms of ad attitude, ad intrusiveness and loyalty intentions. An online survey was conducted with 303 social media users. Age and gender are proposed as moderators. Findings The results indicate that Instagram Stories not only enhances consumer attitude toward ads but also increases perceived intrusiveness, compared to Facebook Wall. Millennials are more disturbed by Facebook Wall ads than non-millennial users. A triple interaction effect reveals that non-millennial men are more loyal toward Facebook Wall ads, whereas millennials of both genders and non-millennial women are more loyal to ads on Instagram Stories. Practical implications Advertisers should be aware of the differential features and segmentation possibilities in social media to better address their target audiences. More precisely, the research findings suggest that professionals should focus on Instagram Stories when targeting millennials and non-millennial women, and on Facebook Wall when targeting non-millennial men. Originality/value This study is one of the first to contribute to the literature on Instagram Stories as an advertising platform and compare its differential features with those of more established social media, such as Facebook Wall.
Article
In the last three decades, an influential research stream has emerged which highlights the dynamics of focal consumer/brand relationships. Specifically, more recently the ‘consumer brand engagement’ (CBE) concept has been postulated to more comprehensively reflect the nature of consumers' particular interactive brand relationships, relative to traditional concepts, including ‘involvement.’ However, despite the growing scholarly interest regarding the undertaking of marketing research addressing ‘engagement,’ studies have been predominantly exploratory in nature, thus generating a lack of empirical research in this area to date. By developing and validating a CBE scale in specific social media settings, we address this identified literature gap. Specifically, we conceptualize CBE as a consumer's positively valenced brand-related cognitive, emotional and behavioral activity during or related to focal consumer/brand interactions. We derive three CBE dimensions, including cognitive processing, affection, and activation. Within three different social media contexts, we employ exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to develop a reliable, 10-item CBE scale, which we proceed to validate within a nomological net of conceptual relationships and a rival model. The findings suggest that while consumer brand ‘involvement’ acts as a CBE antecedent, consumer ‘self-brand connection’ and ‘brand usage intent’ represent key CBE consequences, thus providing a platform for further research in this emerging area. We conclude with an overview of key managerial and scholarly implications arising from this research.
Implementation of Marker Based Tracking Method in the Interactive Media of Traditional Clothes Knowledge-Based on Augmented Reality 360
  • O Nigroho
Nigroho, O., Implementation of Marker Based Tracking Method in the Interactive Media of Traditional Clothes Knowledge-Based on Augmented Reality 360. Journal of Computer Science, Information Technology and Telecommunication Engineering, 2020.