The Future of Social Media: Combining Presence and Gaming

The Future of Social Media: Combining Presence and Gaming

Introduction:
In today's digital age, the importance of user experience and engagement cannot be overstated. Users are more likely to abandon a service if they do not feel a sense of presence or find it appealing. While virtual reality (VR) technology maximizes presence, it is important to note that existing social networking sites (SNS) also possess elements of presence. For instance, LINE's read receipts and mixi's footprint feature create a shared space for users. As we witness the convergence of various applications into a single platform, it becomes evident that presence is a crucial element in SNS. However, presence alone is not sufficient. This is where gaming comes into play, offering high-quality entertainment and the opportunity to engage in shared activities. In this article, we will explore the potential of gaming, particularly Fortnite, to surpass the dominance of Facebook and revolutionize the SNS landscape.

The Power of Presence in Social Networking:
Presence is a key component in SNS, as it creates a sense of connection and shared experiences among users. While VR enhances presence, existing SNS platforms also incorporate elements of presence. For example, LINE's read receipts and mixi's footprint feature allow users to share the same virtual space. These features contribute to a more immersive social experience. The future of SNS lies in harnessing the power of presence, but it is important to acknowledge that presence alone is not enough.

The Role of Gaming in Social Engagement:
Gaming provides a unique avenue for shared activities and high-quality entertainment. The founders of Houseparty expressed their concern that platforms like Facebook and Instagram have deviated from the true essence of social interaction by focusing on performative stage-like experiences, driven by the need for validation. They believe that true social engagement should be more private and intimate. This is where gaming comes in, offering a platform for friends to come together and engage in meaningful interactions. The next decade could witness gaming surpassing traditional SNS platforms in becoming a major social platform.

The Intersection of Presence and Gaming:
Combining the elements of presence and gaming can create a powerful social experience. As users seek genuine connections and shared activities, SNS platforms that incorporate gaming features have the potential to surpass traditional platforms like Facebook. Fortnite, with its immersive gameplay and social features, exemplifies this potential. By integrating presence and gaming, SNS platforms can provide users with a more fulfilling and interactive experience.

Actionable Advice for Creating Engaging Landing Pages:

1. Identify how users get value: Understanding the alternatives users resort to when your product is lacking is crucial. Highlight how your product is better than these alternatives and turn it into an action statement. Clearly articulate the negative impact of not having your product and provide a specific solution.

2. Add a hook: Address major buying objections upfront to ensure visitors do not leave before scrolling. Proactively address their concerns and present compelling reasons for them to stay.

3. Speak directly to your customer persona: Use visuals and demonstrations to showcase the value of your product. Minimize distractions by reducing the number of links in your navigation bar. Your call-to-action (CTA) should be the next step towards fulfilling the claim in your header.

Conclusion:
The future of social media lies in the convergence of presence and gaming. While presence enhances the sense of connection in SNS, gaming offers a platform for shared experiences and high-quality entertainment. By incorporating gaming features into SNS platforms, we can create a more immersive and engaging social experience. To create effective landing pages, identify the value users derive from your product, address objections, and speak directly to your target audience. As we embark on the next decade, it is essential to embrace the potential of gaming and its ability to transform the social media landscape.