Using Social Media for Social Good – A Conceptual Overview

18 Pages Posted: 5 Dec 2010 Last revised: 10 Aug 2014

Date Written: June 13, 2010

Abstract

Social media, and in particular user-generated media, offer a myriad of possibilities for enhancing the engagement of target audiences with social marketing campaigns. Social media, which enables easy and free content creation, is often seen as a cost effective way to promote social messages, engage users and inform stakeholders.

An immediate advantage of social media is the increased credibility over traditional media channels, especially advertising. In a recent survey of 14,000 consumes across Germany, France and the UK conducted by CRM company Satmetrix, only 2% of the British population said they trust advertising claims, 15% trust anonymous online reviews, while reviews from friends, family and colleagues are trusted by 49% (Fernandez 2010). However, in contrast to traditional media channels, there are some important differences when using social media as part of a health promotion or social marketing programme.

Keywords: Social Media, Social Marketing, Health Promotion, Web 2.0, User-Generated Content

JEL Classification: M30, H51

Suggested Citation

Dahl, Stephan, Using Social Media for Social Good – A Conceptual Overview (June 13, 2010). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1624522 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1624522

Stephan Dahl (Contact Author)

University of Hull ( email )

Hull, HU6 7RX
United Kingdom
+44 1482 46 32 49 (Phone)

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