Social media dominates the lives of many in 2024. Even for news media professionals, a large chunk of time is spent daily on platforms searching for content, promoting initiatives, or getting a general feel for your audience. WGN morning host Bob Sirott knows it’s unlikely we’ll ever return to the days before social media.
During his morning show, Sirott welcomed social media strategist and expert Scott Kleinberg to talk about the changes in social media.
Bob Sirott asked Kleinberg what the next big thing in social media would be, when he gave a surprising answer.
“I read this prediction not that long ago in The New York Times where someone said that Gen X and older millennials are going to trade their cell phones and social media and re-embrace old-school interactions in real life,” said Kleinberg.
“And honestly, Bob, I have to say I find that prediction fascinating. Because life before cell phones, in certain ways, was much more peaceful…Stranger things have happened.”
The Chicago-based host responded by saying he finds it difficult to return to a life before platforms, apps, and mobile devices dominated our consciousness.
“Isn’t the horse out of the barn there? I mean, I don’t think we can go back to the way it was before we were constantly on our smartphones,” Sirott said. “I don’t think we can go back.”
He concluded by noting that there are “multiple answers” to the question about what’s next on the horizon for social media.
