BuzzFeed Case Study Analysis & Application

Buzzfeed Case Study Analysis & Application
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Buzzfeed Case Study Analysis & Application
Introduction
The internet is a phenomenon never seen before and has opened endless possibilities for self-expression in the 21st century. Jonah Peretti was among the first to question the untapped capabilities presented by the internet. He was obsessed with how information and ideas spread through the internet. The founding of Buzzfeed in 2006 presented him with a venture that could take inspiration from media and the emerging opportunities he had come across. Since then, Buzzfeed has grown thanks to its virality-focused approach to information sharing, enabling it to challenge established media houses in the US. This essay is a case study analysis of Buzzfeed, its content, and lessons to be learned from its failures and successes.
Question 1
Content Creation is a term that has gained popularity concurrently with the rise of tech and social media giants. The past decade has seen an explosion in media growth despite limited knowledge of its potential effects and the rapid changes needed to maintain the status quo. Powerful mobile phones have evened the playing field offering desktop-like capabilities and a simplistic device to consume media. As an advertising enthusiast, it is impossible not to get excited about the endless possibilities brought forth by social media. My business revolves around being a modern car sales agent, and a BuzzFeed style list can help drum up interest in some of our models. 10 Reasons Why We Need Rivalry is a headline likely to grab a lot of attention due to its vagueness. It does not disclose the article's intention and leaves the reader guessing the direction. Much like buzzed headlines, the article's content presents the advertiser with a creative wriggle room to subvert the reader's expectation.
The Buzzfeed headline names Instagram and advocates for its use, sparking individuals' interest for and against the platform. For instance, Instagram has been embroiled in controversy as the platform and its parent company Facebook accused of accelerating mental health issues among teenagers CITATION Nic21 \l 1033 (Wetsman, 2021`). The impact of social media on mental health is a trending topic; therefore, the headline is bound to generate debate. However, Buzzfeed's approach to advertising is genius since it does not set any expectation for the reader to change their opinion of Instagram. It also acknowledges the absurdity of the platform of useless pictures lacking any originality. What follows is enjoyable content but, most importantly, introduces people to a niche they never knew existed.
My content will most likely be shared on a platform such as Twitter or a website. Twitter provides its users with the ability to attach pictures and gifs to overarch the initial message. It also allows users to present their information in a tier type of format known as a thread. The page's functionality will make it ideal for sharing pictures of cars, prices, and specs.
Question 2
A decade of social media use has provided niches and communities across platforms with the people brought other by interests. Over time, the interaction provided the users with a sense of human connection, validating their existing beliefs or getting new ones. However, social media is an ocean of information, meaning a new user is likely to get lost without guidance through the endless content already present. Also, new ideas, jokes, and opinions are born daily; therefore, it is easy for users to fall behind or be confused by the references. Brands can latch on to a new pseudo-language used by social media users during the advertisement of their products. Playing along with these tropes creates excitement and a feeling of relatability which can help the user form an attachment with a product. For instance, the image below will excite BMW fans and consider the advertisement a dig at their competitor Audi. This back and forth can be useful to both brands as it creates interest and debate around their products.
BuzzFeed style lists are effective because they provide information in a simplistic manner that can cater to the needs of new users. Buzzfeed's influence on journalism and media is complicated to analyze as the answer isn't as straightforward. From a blogger's perspective, the list format is ruining the art of blogging, and Buzzfeed is guilty of devaluing how information is shared. However, the popularity of Buzzfeed and other list-centered articles like Wait But Why emphasize the demand for this type of content. According to Philosopher Umberto Eco Philosopher Umberto Eco, lists are popular because, like the history of art and literature, their pieces are centered on the wants of culture to make sense of infinity CITATION Sab21 \l 1033 (Sabrina, 2021).
Question 3
"Is History Repeating Itself?" is a 2014 memo to staff that feels like an open challenge to the existing rules of media. "We're at the start of a new golden age of media, " says Peretti to his staff as the social media real estate race heats up. As the creator of Buzzfeed, he understands that human psychology is capable of pushing extremes in every circumstance. To hi...