Social Media

PR pros know it’s a best practice to constantly monitor social and traditional media during a PR crisis. With the pandemic producing a flood of constantly changing news, communicators are wise to monitor constantly. Quick-changing stories this week seem to provide examples of the importance of 24/7 vigilance.

Today, we’re getting inside the head of Ashley Sasnett, digital strategist, digital strategy and web experiences at Equifax, who will be speaking on career paths in social media. For a deep dive into social media content creation, strategy and measurement, register today for The Social Shake-Up, which will take place Sept. 22-23 (workshops) and Sept. 29-Oct. 1 (sessions and keynotes).

Each August, PRNEWS celebrates the opening of universities and colleges. We continue that tradition despite pandemic-fueled uncertainty surrounding the status of the first semester. As a result, you might have expected US colleges to reduce their social content. In fact, Shareablee data shows schools bolstered their Instagram posting 8 percent vs the same period last year.

More than a decade after the advent of hashtags, trendjacking may be evolving into a longer-term play. In the wake of social unrest, brands have begun chiming in on issues unfolding over a course of weeks or months rather than days. Sophie Maerowitz looks at the evolution of trendjacking and visits with brands and organizations that are using the tactic to enhance awareness.

At this point, it looks like NFL training camps will begin on time next week. Several star players took to social media last weekend to lay out their grievances in public while attempting to appear like privileged millionaires. The tactic worked and the league agreed to cancel all pre-season games and test players for coronavirus daily in training camp. Here’s how they did it.

The social movement Black Lives Matter is one of several groups calling for an end to structural racism and promoting fair police treatment. A look at some of the movement’s hashtags offer lessons for coalitions in and out of the social advocacy sphere.

The pandemic has caused more than a few sectors to pivot. Why not influencers? With travel and leisure destinations largely off the radar, influencers increasingly are working with the public sector, education organizations and social causes. The goal in most cases is to promote awareness of health and other messages.

The start of the AMEC Global Summit featured a terrific talk from well-known academic Jim Mcnamara. The Australian professor highlighted research from his new book, which looked at misinformation in various forms. A multi-faceted approach is needed to combat the scourge, he said.

Using AI to create realistic but deceitful video content, known as a deepfake, is rapidly moving into the business world. As such, communicators need to know how to recognize and combat deepfakes to protect their business and the brands they represent. Kglobal’s Ellen Huber offers tips and tactics.

It’s understandable that some want a break from the constant barrage of social media. But for brands and celebrities, spending more time engaging in social listening might be appropriate, particularly before making big decisions and announcements. Reading the room is basic PR.