Viral Cat Zooming: SMC 2(2)

Social Media Communication News: Real-Time Classroom Discussion Starters

Cat Filter Internet Star

A Texas lawyer's accidental cat filter during a live Zoom court hearing sparked global amusement. The BBC reported that Rod Ponton did not know the event would turn him into a celebrity. 

"I'm here live," Ponton explained. "I'm not a cat."

"In Texas we have a phrase that you can't put toothpaste back in the tube," Ponton says. "If this was going to become an internet sensation I just had to laugh at myself along with everybody else doing so."

Judge Roy Ferguson shared the video, and it became sticky social media content. The judge told other lawyers to make sure their filters are off before joining a live courtroom session.

Question:What other tips would you offer to professionals before they attend a live video meeting?

#SMC2021 In-Brief

• An Arkansas blogger in a defamation lawsuit cannot protect sources, a judge has ruled. The Associated Press reports that the shield law that protects journalists may not apply in all states. "She's a blogger. She's not a reporter," the judge decided. "She's not (an internet) news source."
• The Capitol Hill mob may have been using Facebook, as well as the Parler app to organize its violence. Forbes reports that Facebook's chief operating officer appeared to downplay the site's role in the siege.
• Deep learning technologies top the ZDNet list of big ideas in 2021. Digital wallets and bitcoin also are being closely watched.
  

Question: What do you think the largest trend will be this year within social media communication? Why?

 

ICYMI: TikTok Branded Content

Content creators are getting help from TikTok. The site launched a Creator portal. It helps TikTok users get started, utilize foundations for success, follow community guidelines, and get paid for content."TikTok Creator Fund rewards creators for doing what they do best — making incredible TikTok videos," the app said. "It’s TikTok’s way of celebrating and supporting creators for their dedication, ingenuity, and spirit."

TikTok also launched a Creator Marketplace that is an "official collaboration platform to connect brands and creators." The site is emphasizing strategic brand marketing campaigns that are likely to compete for attention with Instagram and Snapchat.

Question: What advantages and disadvantages are there for launching a social marketing campaign on TikTok?

 

 

SMC news is curated for Social Media Communication: Concepts, Practices, Data, Law and Ethics, third edition (2021).