I commented in MX Brisbane about the social marketing and personal recommendations on Facebook .

The Hunger Games Theatrical Release Poster (C) Lions Gate Films Source: Wikimedia

Excerpt: University of Queensland social media expert Sean Rintel said people tended to trust the opinions of friends and acquaintances on Facebook more than those of a stranger. “Not only do people trust their friends, but they want to and need to reinforce their friendship,” Rintel said. “Modern viral marketing campaigns rely heavily on a bandwagon effect which is amplified by social media. You’re more likely to take up a recommendation on Facebook than you are an advertisement on television.” Rintel said Facebook was a perfect tool for spreading hype because it emphasised positive messages with the “like” button. “It’s a really low-energy thing to do to click that like button,” he said. “And you’re obviously being seen as part of the in group.” Rintel said marketers were taking advantage of the Facebook effect, hiring people as “brand ambassadors” to talk up their products to friends.

Read more at

Caldwell, F. (2012, May 3). In Facebook We Trust. MX Brisbane, p.6.

Related posts at  

Rintel, S. (2011, July 18). Are Facebook and Google+ limiting your opinions? The Conversation.