Generation Y, also known as millennials, includes people born between the early 1980s and the early 2000s.
They grew up during the rise of digital technology and the internet, shaping how they use technology and media.
Often seen as tech-savvy, adaptable, and socially conscious, millennials have a strong connection to social media and digital communication. But this tech affinity is not exclusive to them; it is also seen in older and younger generations.
A study published in the International Journal of Electronic Marketing and Retailing explored how millennials react to marketing content on social media.
Researchers Nor Azimah Kamaruddin from Universiti Utara Malaysia and Lennora Putit and Amily Fikry from Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia, aimed to understand millennial attitudes toward ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
Using focus group discussions, the team discovered that millennial reactions to marketing content fell into three categories: positive (I like), negative (I don’t like), and vague (I don’t know).
Positive reactions typically occurred when the content aligned with users’ interests or values, leading to actions like “liking” or “sharing” the content.
Negative reactions arose when the content clashed with user preferences or values, often resulting in “thumbs down” or negative comments.
Interestingly, the study also found that vague reactions, the “don’t-knows,” were common among millennials.
Despite their initial uncertainty, these users were often curious about the content and sometimes shared it. This curiosity-driven sharing can contribute to the viral spread of content, which is a key goal for marketers.
Marketing success has traditionally been measured by sales, but in the age of social media, the focus has shifted to concepts like viral reach.
Viral reach refers to how widely content is shared and seen, potentially leading to sales far beyond what traditional advertising methods could achieve.
Understanding what drives social media users to share content is crucial for marketers aiming to trigger virality.
The study’s findings suggest that marketers should not only focus on creating content that users will like but also consider the potential of vague reactions to drive viral reach. By tapping into the curiosity of the “don’t-knows,” businesses can develop more effective marketing strategies tailored to social media.
In summary, while millennials’ reactions to social media marketing can be positive, negative, or vague, the latter group’s curiosity offers a unique opportunity for achieving viral success.
Marketers can benefit from understanding and leveraging these mixed reactions to enhance their social media campaigns and reach a wider audience.
