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The experiment you might have unknowingly participated in
I’ve been down another research hole that’s equal parts frustrating and terrifying.
I’m trying to establish how much an online presence influences our real-world decisions. I didn’t find as much data as I’d hoped (so am now collecting it myself – more about that later).
One study I did find was fascinating, but a little uncomfortable. (When was the last time you read the fine print when you signed up for something..?)
It also ties in pretty well to what I wrote about last week – click here if you missed it.
Facebook’s emotional contagion experiment
In 2013 Facebook conducted a massive experiment on 689,003 users (you will never know if you were one of them!). They manipulated the content in these people’s feeds and watched what happened to their posting behavior.
The results?
When people were exposed to more negative content, they posted more negatively. When they were exposed to more positive content, they posted more positively.
In other words: What you consume literally changes how you show up in the world.
This was back in 2013. Given how much our digital consumption has exploded since then – and how much more sophisticated these algorithms have become – I can only imagine how much more relevant and powerful this effect is now.
It’s not just about your feed
But here’s the thing, the effect of consumption extends past our social media accounts. In fact we spend our day “consuming” …
What else are we taking in?
- Podcasts: Are you listening to growth-focused content or doom-spiral discussions?
- Music: Does your playlist pump you up or bring you down?
- Conversations: Are you surrounded by solution-finders or chronic complainers?
- Books and articles: Stories of possibility vs. stories of limitation
- News: Staying informed vs. getting overwhelmed
- Physical spaces: Environments that inspire vs. environments that drain
And then there are the physical things we take in every day. We know these affect our bodies, but we don’t always connect the dots to how they affect our outlook and reactions.
- Food: That 3pm sugar crash tanks your decision-making, not just your waistline
- Fresh air: Stepping outside and controlling your breathing directly affects your nervous system
- Sunshine: There’s a reason that first sunny day after rain makes everyone happier
- Water: Dehydration makes you irritable. Point.
What I’m trying this week
1. Noticing how I respond
Paying attention to my mood and responses after consuming different content. Am I snappier with my kids after scrolling news?
2. Planning my listening in advance
I’m choosing and downloading podcasts for my treadmill time and car rides ahead of time, rather than scrambling to find something at the time.
3. Conversation redirects
Being able to talk to friends is one of life’s greatest gifts, and I consider it an honor when someone trusts me with their problems. However, leaving it stuck as just a problem feels like a lost opportunity. So I’m gently steering conversations toward “What’s one small step you could take?” or “How can we tackle this?” instead of letting us both marinate in the mess.
4. Reading the fine print when I sign up
Just so I know which studies I may be part of!
Now, back to the research
I’m trying to understand how a person or businesses’ online presence influences the opinion and decisions we make about them in real life.
And I need your help! Please!
I’ve created a survey. It’s designed to be minimal effort for you – but will be hugely beneficial to me. (And it’s anonymous – I can’t see who logs in to complete the form.)
And if this topic resonates with you, please forward this page to as many people as possible – I need all the data I can get!
Here’s to another week if living intentionally!
See you next week!
If you would like to read the Facebook study – here is the link
Who is Kira Goller?
I am a wife, mother, marketer and writer.
This isn’t what I have always done. Each chapter built on the next and took everything I could out of every opportunity. I have been taught by some of the best in the world and will never stop learning – it’s an obsession of sorts.
Today I help people bring their brands to life, build a presence in the world thats authentic, consistent and draws their ideal audience.
I am passionate about young people and run workshops to educate, guide and inspire them to create a digital footprint their future selves will be grateful for!
When you are Ready, here’s how I can Help
Build your Brand – Do you have a business or an idea but not sure what to do next?
I will help you figure it out and create whatever you need including – Brand Guide, Logo, Website, Soial Profiles etc
Establish your Brand Narrative – Are you unsure of what you want to say or how to say it?
I will help you establish you key messaging and brand voice
Write – Do you need help writing the copy for your website, emails or other content?
I will write your message, in your voice, in a way that immediately connects with your audience.
Teach Teenagers how to Build an Authentic, Intentional Digital Presence.
I run workshops that empower young people to create a digital presence their future selves are depending on them for!
