The Impact of Web 2.0 Communication Methods on TikTok Influencers and Community Commerce

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Abstract

 

Since the pandemic left individuals isolated at home due to the social distancing norms, there was an increase in interactivity and real-time engagement online. The dynamic nature of Web 2.0 has revolutionised communication methods, empowering TikTok influencers to establish their online presence and build a loyal community of people with similar interests, serving as catalysts for community commerce by endorsing products and influencing consumer purchase decisions. This paper analyses how influencers like Li Jiaqi, Kylie Jenner and Tina Lee effectively use TikTok’s affordances of user-generated content, algorithm, hashtags, commenting and sharing to foster trust within their audience and how they leverage this power of social connections to sell products or services.

 

Keywords: Web 2.0, influencer economy, affectionate economy, community commerce, social commerce, creator’s impact on shopping experience

 

Thesis Statement: The dynamic nature of Web 2.0 has revolutionised communication methods, empowering TikTok influencers to establish their online presence and build a loyal community of people with similar interests, serving as catalysts for community commerce by endorsing products and influencing consumer purchase decisions.

 

Introduction

 

Social media platforms have drastically transformed the digital communication landscape, giving rise to new ways of interaction that have reshaped how individuals consume content online. Unlike traditional media, TikTok not only offers a personalised algorithm-driven content discovery that gathers like-minded people within the space but also, because its unique short-form video content is easily consumable and shared, these messages of shared experiences, opinions and recommendations can quickly spread to a larger audience, allowing users to connect at a deeper level and build loyal followings (Hudders et al., 2022). Moreover, the user-friendly interface fosters a participatory culture as its editing tools allow even beginners to participate in content creation rather than passively consuming it, with minimal technical expertise or financial investment, lowering the barrier to artistic expression and engagement (Haslem, 2022). These examples of blurred boundaries between audiences, producers and consumers served as a foundation for the rapid growth of community commerce, influencer economy and affectionate economy; influencers can use this power of social connections, trust, and authenticity to promote brands and drive consumer behaviour (De’ et al., 2020). The global pandemic further accelerates individuals’ reliance on these trusted communities, especially shopping, as they crave human connection, turning to their favourite influencers for advice and engaging in affective behaviour during the lockdown (Hudders et al., 2022). Consequently, in three short years, TikTok has refined its interactive features – user-generated content, algorithm, sharing, and commenting – and shifted from a predominantly lip-syncing and dancing to a marketing platform to adapt to this ever-changing economy (Haenlein et al., 2020). The dynamic nature of Web 2.0 has revolutionised communication methods, empowering TikTok influencers to establish their online presence and build a loyal community of people with similar interests, serving as catalysts for community commerce by endorsing products and influencing consumer purchase decisions.

 

UGC TikTok Influencers Drive Consumer Behaviour Through The Power Of Social Connections, Trust, And Authenticity

 

User-generated content, or UGC, is TikTok’s successful marketing tactic that creates opportunities for influencers, even those with smaller followings, to gain network traffic. Historically, consumers perceive traditional forms of advertising, like print magazines, as unreliable information sources and often hesitate to make purchases due to its one-way artificial communication (Barta et al., 2023). However, as the media communication method evolves from ‘one-to-many’ to ‘one-to-one’, TikTok strongly emphasise customer-centric content and unfiltered reality, serving as social proof (Gelati, 2022). UGC influencers offer testimonials from a customer’s perspective, sharing similar struggles, concerns and recommendations on the products that benefit them, attracting a community of people with similar viewpoints (Zuo et al., 2022). Unlike Instagram, influencers’ content is sometimes heavily filtered and aspired to maintain a ‘perfect’ image and the aesthetics of their feed.

 

Zuo’s (2022) scholarly case study demonstrates a Chinese TikTok beauty influencer, Li Jiaqi, also known as “Lipstick King”, who made significant contributions to community commerce through his UGC content. As he often criticises certain shades of high-end lipstick brands like Hermès as being “unsuitable to Asians” (Kovack, 2020, para. 3) while outlining why he prefers some lesser-known lipsticks that complement his skin tone in his videos, his behaviour constructs him as transparent and knowledgeable in the field, resonates with his viewers, thus, convincing them that the product is valuable in solving their problems. Accumulating over 64 million fans within his community on Tiktok, Zuo (2022) claims that his loyal large following has helped him sell 15 thousand lipsticks in just five minutes” (p. 4) and RMB $21.5 billion in sales during the first day of the Tiktok live stream on Alibaba’s 2021 Singles Day. The perceived credibility allows these viewers to regard Li as someone just like them who uses the products, which impacts their intentions to make a purchase, supporting Halim’s (2021) case study where the platform’s affordances that led to user-authentic creative expression turn to UGC as a trust signal, much like they would ask their family, friends or professional network for advice. Halim (2021) further reveals that over 90% of consumers base their purchasing decisions on UGC, and 73% feel more confident in their purchases. Due to this, brands are increasingly inclined to work with TikTok influencers, leading to the rise of the influencer economy (Thomala, 2023). This new creator-driven word-of-mouth communication disrupts the traditional marketing agency while promoting community commerce, allowing influencers to use their authenticity to attract audiences with similar interests, shape consumer purchase decisions and motivate their community to participate in the buying process.

 

 

From Discovery to Purchase: How Influencers Use Community Commerce to Revolutionise Shopping Journey

 

Influencers who establish a strong niche and personal branding are optimising TikTok’s algorithm, hashtag affordances and search engine optimisation (SEO) to tailor personalised shopping experiences and enhance deeper engagement within their communities. This approach revolutionises shopping journeys, transforming how consumers discover, evaluate, and purchase products, which increases consumerism (TikTok Newsroom, 2021). Thus, users turn to TikTok as the go-to platform to spontaneously scroll through their feeds during their shopping journey, seamlessly integrating the platform into their purchasing process.

 

  1. Algorithm: 

 

TikTok replaces its reverse chronological order of feed with an algorithm, a recommendation system that controls the discoverability of all types of content on the platform, curating a streamlined feed to every user based on their activity and interaction history (Bhandari et al., 2022). Its strategically designed algorithm has an addictive nature, enticing users to endlessly scroll to consume content. With individuals spending an average of 24.5 hours per month, it surpassed YouTube in 2021 (Geyser, 2022).

 

Furthermore, this personalised feed, For You Page, is effective because, as its name suggests, content is distributed “for you”, guaranteeing that “no two users will see the same videos” (Newberry, 2023, para. 3). Bhandari (2022) adds that algorithm often brings user’s favourite influencer back on their feed to re-engage and discover new products even when they are not following them, empowering influencers to drive extensive traffic to their affiliate storefront. Because these users already trust the creator as a credible source, influencers can easily make commissioned sales through each purchase they influence.

 

  1. Hashtags:

 

As hashtags categorise content within a niche, the algorithm can precisely push videos that speak directly to the users’ interests, recommend similar videos and potentially entice them to research and purchase. Warc’s (2021) study found that over 70% of consumers have made unplanned purchases from browsing through TikTok. For example, the trending #TiktokMadeMeBuyIt hashtag has generated more than 4.6 billion views, causing the virality of many products, especially on Amazon (Warc, 2021). Momiroski (2023), a TikTok coach who audits influencer accounts, claims that Rozema (@sailor.rozema), a Tiktoker, has “missed out” (0:07) on $60k for not providing an affiliate link to the Amazon products she demonstrated in her videos. Her video generated 40.2 million views, which he analysed if she were to earn $1 commission for each sale influenced with a 3% conversion rate, she would have made $60k, supporting Bhandari’s (2022) discussion that more view count and engagement equal more income.

 

  1. SEO:

 

While distributing content is no longer limited to authority figures, embedding the “everyone is a content creator” notion (Forsey, 2021, para. 1), content can be too diverse and random. SEO helps TikTok search engines understand content relevance and popularity so that viral videos can become easily findable. With the interactive search bar of Web 2.0, users can search topics or videos featuring the products they are interested in purchasing. SEO can further smoothen the purchasing journey by sifting out low-quality or bot content and pushing trending videos with top search for users. Influencers are now using SEO to drive organic traffic, using specific keywords in their content to optimise their brands to compete against other influencer competitors because as SEO recognises their content as viral, the TikTok algorithm will push the content further to more audiences in their feed or as the top trending video in search. This action affects the number of followers these influencers gather, building a loyal fanbase.

 

These three affordances aid in successful community building. As the user shopping journey in e-commerce shifts from discovery to action within a tap, influencers can easily sway purchase decisions within their community of like-minded people who share similar interests and opinions.

 

 

Superfans Are a Community: How These Fans Organise to Aid in The Success Of Influencers

 

The shift to Web 2.0 enables TikTok to showcase dynamic content that promotes user interaction and collaboration through commenting, sharing, and duetting, stimulating greater user engagement within the community similar to UGC. With this, influencers can cultivate a special relationship with fans, create deeper communication, and establish trust and loyalty, contributing to community commerce (De’ et al., 2020). Flynn (2019), a host of the Smart Passive Income podcast, invent a concept called “superfans”, which he explains that it refers to an influencer’s most devoted followers, who often are willing to go to great lengths to support and promote their favourite influencer. Flynn (2019) argues that having superfans is a brand’s “greatest asset” (as cited in Doll, 2022, para. 5), as they help influencers spread awareness through word-of-mouth, amplifies the visibility of the influencer content and drive interest in these influencer-endorsed products through active participation in discussions, without influencers needing to “constantly chase after new customers” (as cited in Watson, 2020, para. 5). Superfans also often contribute financially to influencers by purchasing their merchandise, exclusive content or sponsored product. This financial support enables influencers to maintain their online presence and continue creating content, which in turn fuels the influencer economy (Barta et al., 2023).

 

An example includes Kylie Jenner, an influencer and a celebrity, whose business, Kylie Cosmetics, reportedly generated annual revenue of over $360 million from the brand alone (Varnham, 2020). Being the second most followed person on Instagram and with 52.3 million followers on TikTok (Botha, 2023), Varnham’s (2020) article claims that the brand has most benefitted from these followers, despite she quotes, “Kylie Jenner is actually kind of bad at being an influencer, but her fans still love her” (para. 1). 

 

Flynn (2019, as cited in Doll, 2022) further reveals that influencers only need 1000 superfans to scale their business; they do not need millions of followers nor to persuade every follower. He explains that if these superfans spend $100 annually on the influencer brand, the business can generate $100,000 – six-figure. Lee (2022), an influencer and entrepreneur with 800,000 combined TikTok and Instagram followers, reveals in her podcast that she was able to scale her six-figure net worth from her social media gigs into a seven-figure since launching her Full-Time Influencer coaching program to her followers. She claims that this is because she could convert her superfans from her main account, which “took four years to grow 400,000 followers” (Lee, 2022, 2:33), to her new business account, which took only three months to reach 100,000 from scratch. With the power of a strong influencer community constructed through Tiktok’s comments and sharing, influencers can market their brands on their platform, converting their fans into sales, and making e-commerce another income stream.

 

 

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, this conference paper has demonstrated the influence of Web 2.0 communication methods on the emergence and success of community building and networking. As the digital landscape continues to evolve and shift towards more interactive and user-generated content, TikTok’s interactive features allow influencers to continue to expand their reach, build stronger connections and a loyal fanbase between individuals who share similar interests, values, and opinions, driving community commerce to new heights (Hudders et al., 2022). As a result, influencers have the power of social networking to promote products effectively and shape consumer purchase decisions. This notion results from the rise of participatory culture, which has led to media distribution, such as advertisement, being no longer limited to authority figures but is now accessible to anyone with an internet connection (Barta et al., 2023). Users are becoming individual information sources, and because consumers today can actively participate in discourses by sharing their opinions and experiences, all users within the platform are becoming a part of a limitless sharing community (De’ et al., 2020). Moreover, this paper has explored the role of superfans in fuelling this influencer and affectional economy, emphasising the significance of the emotional investment and support these dedicated followers provide. Although some may argue that there is already an oversaturation in the influencer market, it is undeniable that modern consumers now gravitate towards these influencers’ advice as part of their purchase journey. The influencer economy will continue to expand in 2023, accelerating the growth of a creator-centric economy and community commerce.

 

 

Reference List:

 

Bhandari, A., & Bimo, S. (2022). Why’s everyone on tiktok now? The algorithmized self and the future of self-making on social media. Social Media + Society, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/20563051221086241

 

Botha, F. (2023, March 2). A deep dive into the net worth of kylie jenner. And Simple. https://andsimple.co/cases/kylie-jenner-net-worth/

 

De’, R., Pandey, N., & Pal, A. (2020). Impact of digital surge during covid-19 pandemic: A viewpoint on research and practice. International journal of information management, 55, 102171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2020.102171

 

Doll, K. (2022, November 10). What is a superfan? The backbone of your business. Shortform. https://www.shortform.com/blog/what-is-a-super-fan/

 

Caroline Forsey (2022, August 15). If everyone is a content creator — is anyone? [data + expert insights]. Hub Spot. https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/everyone-is-a-content-creator

 

Halim, E. M., & Candraningrum, D. A. (2021). The influence of user-generated content towards somethinc skincare purchase intention. Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, 570. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353927113_The_Influence_of_User-Generated_Content_Towards_Somethinc_Skincare_Purchase_Intention

 

Geyser, W. (2022, July 18). How does the tiktok algorithm work?. Influencer Marketing Hub. https://influencermarketinghub.com/tiktok-algorithm/

 

 

Haenlein, M., Anadol, E., Farnsworth, T., Hugo, H., Hunichen, J., & Welte, D. (2020). Navigating the new era of influencer marketing: How to be successful on instagram, tiktok, & co. California Management Review, 63(1), 5–25. https://doi.org/10.1177/0008125620958166

 

Kovack, K. (2020, April 17). Beauty “kingmaker”: The power of li jiaqi aka austin li. Beauty Matter. https://beautymatter.com/articles/beauty-kingmaker-the-power-of-li-jiaqi-aka-austin-li

 

Lee, T. (Host). (2022, November). Dissecting the creator economy (ft. whalar co-founder neil waller) | s2 e24 [Audio podcast episode]. In Full-Time Influencer Podcast. Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/episode/48wN2EKcaaFaNGRDkTS9mr?si=qDhFKzE6Rl22gDZco66ORw

 

Haslem, B. (2022). TikTok as a digital activism space: Social justice under algorithmic control. Master of Arts (MA), Thesis, Humanities, Old Dominion University. https://doi.org/10.25777/d5v6-ab64

 

Hudders, L. & Lou, C. (2022) A new era of influencer marketing: Lessons from recent inquires and thoughts on future directions. International Journal of Advertising, 41(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1080/02650487.2022.2031729

 

Momiroski, K. [@knrndigital]. (2023, March 8). See my profile to learn more [Video]. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@knrndigital/video/7208072398090865921

 

Newberry, C. (2023, February 8). 2023 tiktok algorithm explained + tips to go viral. Hootsuite. https://blog.hootsuite.com/tiktok-algorithm/

 

New study from warc, tiktok and publicis groupe shows the power of community commerce. (2021, October 18). Tiktok Newsroom. https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-au/new-study-from-warc-tiktok-and-publicis-groupe-shows-the-power-of-community-commerce-anz

 

Thomala, L. L,. (2023, March 8). Brand value of tiktok/douyin worldwide from 2021 to 2023. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1324424/tiktok-brand-value/#:~:text=In%202023%2C%20the%20brand%20value,most%20valuable%20media%20brand%20worldwide.

 

Varnham, E. (2020, June 4). Kylie jenner is actually kind of bad at being an influencer, but her fans still love her. Showbiz CheetSheet. https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/kylie-jenner-is-actually-kind-of-bad-at-being-an-influencer-but-her-fans-still-love-her.html/

 

Warc (2021). From discovery to purchase: The role of community commerce. TikTok Publicis. https://www.tiktok.com/business/library/TikTok_Publicis_WARC_WhitePaper.pdf

 

Watson, J. (2020, February 26). How to turn customers into superfans (and why you need to). Agorapulse. https://www.agorapulse.com/blog/turn-customers-into-superfans/

 

Zniva, R., Weitzl, W.J. & Lindmoser, C. Be constantly different! How to manage influencer authenticity. Electron Commer Res (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10660-022-09653-6

 


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18 responses to “The Impact of Web 2.0 Communication Methods on TikTok Influencers and Community Commerce”

  1. Michael.Dichiera Avatar
    Michael.Dichiera

    Hi N.Chong4

    Nice read! You have demonstrated quality evidence on influencer culture. Influencing has indeed become an indispensable marketable strategy. As a result, individuals are still trying to cash in on this social media phenomenon.

    However, post-covid-19 has already evoked a drop in influencer capability. You make a statement towards the end of your paper, “The influencer economy will continue to expand in 2023, accelerating the growth of a creator-centric economy and community commerce.”

    Recent research discloses only 3% of consumers are influenced by celebrity influences to purchase specific products. I won’t deny that TikTok has definitely grown over the years and supported a radical change in the way products/people can be marketed, however the digital world is constantly evolving and so are its consumers, sometimes more rapidly than we would like.

    Have you looked into why so many people are switching off the influencer feed in 2023? Or at least finding influencers (like the ones you’ve mentioned), repetitive, stale and boring. The time of passive audience engagement is over, and influence fatigue is at an all-time high.

    What are your thoughts on these emerging changes and how are influencers expected to survivie this digital evolution?

    Kind Regards,
    Mickey

    1. N.Chong4 Avatar
      N.Chong4

      Hi Mickey,

      Thank you for your comment. I understand where you’re coming from. Although it may seem that post-covid-19 evoked a drop in influencer capability, I believe that the pandemic has provided new opportunities and avenues for growth in the influencer marketing industry shifting the focus from brand deals to. With the influencer marketing industry soaring from $1.7 billion in 2016 to $16.4 billion in 2022 (an increase of approximately 864.71% in 6 years), the CEO of social media platforms like Mark Zuckerburg, Adam Mosseri and Shou Zi Chew saw opportunities in using social media for community commerce, hence as users, we often get many new app updates such as video content, shop features and live to adapt to the changing circumstances. These emerging changes are assisting more new users on the platform to foster a strong sense of community and connection among their followers, drive more meaningful engagement and become relevant on the platform.

      Statistics link: https://influencermarketinghub.com/influencer-marketing-statistics/

      May I know which source you attain the information from, arguing that there is only 3% of consumers are influenced by celebrity influencers? While this may be true, I think these statistics cannot properly measure the conversion rate and should not be considered a permanent decline, as the pandemic led to a demand for authentic content, brands are shifting their focus to micro/nano influencers and people are buying from them more than celebrity influencers, which is why I wrote the paragraph about the UGC influencers.

      Additionally, there has been a change in consumer behaviour that has affected how people shop and consume content. As a result, influencers continue to have an impact because consumers are using TikTok to read reviews as part of their shopping journey. Despite having a smaller following than celebrity influencers, they have successfully adapted their content strategies to address the changing needs and interests of their audience, providing value and building an authentic community.

      I believe that the influencer economy will continue to rise in 2023 because as you mentioned that the digital landscape evolves quickly, and there is a lot of potential for influencers to expand their reach with new technologies like AI and VR. Many influencers are monetising their content and diversifying their income streams such as affiliate marketing, merchandise sales, online courses, and paid subscription models rather than just by brand sponsorships, which have helped them maintain their financial stability and continue to invest in their content creation.

      Let me know your thoughts.

      Best,

      Natalie

  2. Mickey.Dichiera Avatar
    Mickey.Dichiera

    Hey Natalia.

    Thank you for your response. You will find some very insightful and revealing revelations regarding the fatigue of influencer culture in the link below:
    https://www.meltwater.com/en/blog/influencer-fatigue

    For debate purposes, you mentioned “1.7 billion in 2016 to $16.4 billion in 2022 (an increase of approximately 864.71% in 6 years)” which is impressive, but still does not remove the toxic-fulled agenda behind influencer brands and how they have accumulated their fortune without holistic customer care, hence the decline.

    For example. you mentioned celebrity influencer Kylie Jenner who earnt her fortune selling lip kits. Unfortunately, Kylie Cosmetics has met a series of bad reviews since her line first dropped. From faulty overpriced products, poor makeup quality, and NO customer service, she is one of the many influencers that are meeting the early stages of influencer decline.

    https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/celebrity-hair-makeup/news/a44472/kylie-jenner-lip-kit-fail/

    I won’t deny that influencer marketing is still a commodity, but even regular brands that exploit influencer marketing to increase their exposure and profit will have them set on expiration. The influencer who is chosen by an established brand is vital for both business agreements, putting the influencer under tremendous pressure to maintain the initial sale point. Many influencers who attempt to brand out, don’t necessarily hold the relevant degrees in business and struggle to maintain a professional stance when breaking into their chosen industry. We often see influencers making forced apology videos or falling victim to extreme cancel culture due to poor choices in business, tainting themselves and the brand (who dissociates instantly) causing a dramatic impact on their mental health. Many of these influencers are rarely heard of again or struggle to maintain momentum (School of Science & Technology 2017). (Can provide reff upon request)

    I certainly agree that social media is constantly evolving and developing with many exciting new features, and of course, people enjoy this and definitely take advantage of it. I certainly don’t disagree with your research, for example, you mentioned, users only need 1000 superfans to start their business, which is very achievable and is happening today! So my question is mainly focused on the ways influencers are handling their own business and if you believe it is sustainable on multiple levels? I certainly don’t believe every influencer in the game is achieving at the rate your paper suggests, and perhaps influencer culture should come with some disclaimers when younger indidivudlas are researching how to make it all happen. 🙂

    Warm Regards,
    Mickey

    1. B.Baldorj Avatar
      B.Baldorj

      Hi everyone!

      Impressive discussion of your thoughtful response and article on influence fatigue. I agree that there are some concerns around influencer culture and its potential negative impact on influencers and customers in social media. As you mentioned, toxic agendas, poor customer service, and pressure on influencers are significant challenges on social media. Furthermore, as you mention, Kyle’s cosmetic line highlights an influencer-led business, which focuses on profit, and personal branding might lead to unethical and low customer satisfaction standards. There might be some improvements and sustainability as maintaining authenticity and transparency in the content and brand partnerships for audience trust and long-term loyalty engagement. Therefore, we could manage and organize platforms for the influencer industry. Norway banned photoshopped, and influencers liked it, and it’s a win-win situation for consumers. Such measures can protect consumers from misleading content while encouraging influencers to focus on genuine connections with their audiences. https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-57721080. As a result, aspiring influencers can better understand the industry’s reality, make informed decisions, and develop more sustainable influencer careers.

      Thanks for your time,
      Buuvei

      1. N.Chong4 Avatar
        N.Chong4

        Hi Mickey and Buuvei,

        I appreciate you taking the time to comment on my paper. Mickey, the link regarding influencer fatigue was quite fascinating to read. With more millennials and Gen Z on TikTok, there is certainly greater demand for authentic engagement. I see your point that a lack of authenticity significantly switches audiences off and leads to a decline in influencing.

        But are all influencers really inauthentic, buy followers, likes and engagement, and post cliche content as claimed in the article? In the past, while transitioning from traditional media (using celebrity-endorsed commercialised marketing strategy) to social media, definitely yes (from my perspective), but due to the rapidly changing digital landscape and the resulting new demands, I believe that many influencers are now modifying their content strategies to meet the shifting needs and interests of their audience, offering value and fostering an authentic community. The article you provided quotes, “It doesn’t mean there’s no place for influencers – instead, brands simply need to adjust” (Concannon, 2023). Buuvei further raised a strong point supporting this quote, where influencers and brands adapt through promoting sustainability to maintain authenticity and transparency in building a long-term loyalty engagement. Other examples include advocating for the body positivity movement.

        TikTok’s new algorithm also emphasises content originality, spreading more unique content to the audience as opposed to trends. Some popular content includes unfiltered vlogs, business behind-the-scenes, educational/coaching in providing value over sales, personal experiences, personal growth, and honest product reviews. All of these focus more on building community over commodity as it reflects the true personality of the influencer, resonating with audiences as it showcases honesty, vulnerability, and a sense of connection.

        I agree with both of you that Kylie’s brand is an influencer-led business that predominantly focuses on profit and neglects customers’ needs and satisfaction. I can see that she tried to be authentic with her TikTok videos showcasing her lifestyle with her children, but because the portrayal of her life seemed glamorous, luxurious and unattainable to many of her audience, people are feeling the disconnection. Hence, her influence might not be as effective as other smaller influencers.

        The article you provided also supports my main argument regarding superfans, as it argues that having followers with meaningful connections to other members of the community can help influencers increase their brand’s visibility and credibility. “Analysis shows that individuals working on a more contained scale are often perceived as having more of a legitimate voice than big-name celebrities, and can lead to a higher rate of conversion to sales” (Concannon, 2023). While the time of passive audience engagement is over, I believe influencers are becoming like virtual friends or educators to their followers whose recommendations and opinions are highly valued. They have consequently evolved into an essential part of the modern purchasing experience, guiding consumers in making informed and satisfied purchases.

        I am interested in hearing both of you guys’ perspectives on the following question:

        1. Since social media influencers replaced traditional media celebrities, and if influencers are gone now, what do you think the evolution of media will be like?

        Link: https://www.meltwater.com/en/blog/influencer-fatigue

        I’m looking forward to hearing your responses.

        Best,

        Natalie

        1. B.Baldorj Avatar
          B.Baldorj

          Hi Natalie, thank you for your response and insightful and challenging questions.

          From my perspective, it is not easy to stand on one side, so I prefer both sides to evolve and contribute. Traditional and social media influencers hold essential roles in the ever-evolving media landscape. They each possess unique strengths and capabilities, making replacing one with the other difficult. Both sectors contribute significantly to WEB 2’s development and growth, fostering audience engagement and collaboration.

          Even if social media influencers disappear, media evolution will likely continue to adapt and change in various ways. One possibility is a stronger focus on niche communities, where people with shared interests can engage and collaborate. Traditional media will lead to more specialized, smaller-scale influencers organising these groups. Media democratization can also be promoted through increased reliance on user-generated content. Brands may also play a more significant role in content creation, becoming content creators and prioritizing quality over quantity (Gagliese 2022).

          Impact of traditional influencers on social media influencers, it is essential to recognize the unique value of traditional hype generation and implement innovative marketing strategies. According to the annual Influencer Marketing Benchmark Report, the influencer marketing industry has experienced a yearly increase of at least 50% in overall market size since 2016 (Wiley, 2021). This growth suggests that influencer marketing strategies, encompassing both traditional and social media influencers, are likely to continue to rise across various sectors, including universities and organizations. Social media influence will be the newly acquired bachelor’s degree required for many well-paying jobs for decades.

          In conclusion, replacing traditional and social media influencers is challenging because of their unique strengths in the media ecosystem. The continued growth and development of influencer marketing strategies suggest that both influencers will maintain their significance in the evolving media landscape.

          Warm regards,
          Buuvei

          1. N.Chong4 Avatar
            N.Chong4

            Hi Buuvei,

            Once again, thank you for your detailed response. I understand that it is difficult to stand on one side and agree with your balanced perspective regarding the roles of both traditional and social media influencers in today’s media landscape. Each, in fact, has certain strengths and makes a substantial contribution to the development of media and audience participation.

            I also agree with you that the emergence of niche communities, the rise of user-generated content, and brands becoming content creators themselves, highlight the adaptable nature and dynamic of the media industry. It is fascinating to consider how these changes can increase diversity and democratise the media industry. As I have seen many brands like Duolingo as well as luxury fashion brands starting to post engaging content other than commercials to their business to increase their visibility and hosting lives to engage with their fans. This exemplifies the community over commodity marketing strategy.

            It is also very exciting to see that the influencer marketing industry has seen annual market size increases of at least 50% since 2016 and to consider the implications of social media influence becoming a requirement for many well-paying jobs, much like a bachelor’s degree. With the possibilities of Web 2.0, some influencers are able to scale a 6 to 7 figure income through personal branding.

            I really appreciate you sharing your perspective and knowledge on this topic. It is critical to understand the distinctive value that each type of influencer contributes and how they shift the industry as we continue to witness the evolution of influencer marketing strategies. Let me know if you have any other questions.

            Best,
            Natalie

  3. Stephen.B.Bain Avatar
    Stephen.B.Bain

    Hi Mickey, thank you for these examples, they make very interesting reading. SteveB

    1. N.Chong4 Avatar
      N.Chong4

      Hi Stephen,

      Thank you for your comment. Do you have any questions to ask or further examples to provide regarding this paper’s argument?

      Best,

      Natalie

  4. Juliette.Steens Avatar
    Juliette.Steens

    Hi Natalie,

    I found this paper really interesting to read and it gave me a good insight!
    I feel like the concept of “superfans” may not be a one-size-fits-all solution for all influencers. While you have suggested that influencers only require 1000 superfans to grow their business, this claim could oversimplify the complexities of the influencer economy. Smaller influencers may find it difficult to attract a loyal follower base due to their limited exposure and visibility compared to larger influencers like Kylie Jenner. Relying solely on superfans to generate revenue could also result in a missed opportunity to attract new customers and expand the influencer’s audience. While community commerce offers significant benefits, success for influencers is not guaranteed. Do you feel like this is an important statement to recognise that the use of superfans is not a guaranteed path to success for all influencers, or do you believe that 1000 superfans could change an influences brand/company?

    Juliette

    1. N.Chong4 Avatar
      N.Chong4

      Hi Juliette,

      Thank you for your time in reading my paper. Yes, I agree with you that the concept of 1000 superfans could oversimplify the complexities of the influencer economy, and it should not be taken as a one-size-fits-all solution. This concept is more of a reminder of the influence a devoted fanbase has on an influencer’s brand or business.

      Smaller influencers may indeed struggle to attract views compared to Kylie Jenner, however I have to disagree that they have difficulties to attract a loyal follower base. Articles and experts are illustrating that despite micro-influencers have small followings, they have more reliable and relatable online presence that allows the viewers they attract to feel authentic and less intimidating to interact with their accounts. Source 1 explains that due to this, engagement levels are often higher and “have over a 20% higher conversion rate that can help brands boost their e-commerce sales,” as viewers are more willing to interact with the content and click the “purchase” button” since they trust the creator. Hence, since the pandemic, more brands are increasingly favour micro-influencers. Through this, I hope to demonstrate the building a business isn’t the only way for influencers to succeed. There are many other monetary income sources like brand partnerships.

      To further increase views, many articles like Source 2 show that they can increase their visibility and engagement by leveraging UGC, posting original content, having unique storytelling, and strategically using hashtags and SEO-friendly keywords to help the TikTok algorithm categorise the content and display it on the FYP of their target audience. I believe that both macro and micro-influencers have their own ways of being successful, as there “success” is subjective, it cannot be measured in the same way.

      Source 1: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2021/06/02/micro-influencers-when-smaller-is-better/?sh=28dea3c7539b
      Source 2: https://keyhole.co/blog/how-to-increase-tiktok-engagement/

      Furthermore, I understand that while it may seem like relying solely on superfans to generate revenue can result in a missed opportunity to attract new customers and expand an influencer’s audience. But from my perspective, I see that leveraging the dedication and enthusiasm of superfans can be an extremely effective tactic in and of itself. These loyal fans have a strong emotional connection to the influencer. Hence, they are more willing to spend their time and money supporting them. I believe superfans can serve as brand ambassadors by spreading the influencer’s name to new audiences through social media posts and word-of-mouth. Thus, by nurturing their existing superfans, influencers can organically grow their audience base and generate revenue without sacrificing the opportunity to reach new potential customers. As a result, by nurturing their existing superfans, influencers can build their audience organically and make sales without losing the chance to connect with new potential followers.

      In response to your question, I believe it can go both ways because influencers must take into account a variety of factors, including the quality of their content, starting with engaging hook, engagement strategies (such as creating user-generated content to be transparent, responding to comments, and using relevant hashtags), and the level of competition in their niche to attract followers. An influencer can significantly increase their chances of success by combining these factors with an established community of loyal followers. For continued growth and financial success, it is crucial to understand the complexity of the influencer economy and consistently adapt and innovate.

      I hope this answers your question. I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

      Best,
      Natalie

  5. Jun Avatar
    Jun

    Dear Natalie ,

    I read your essay on how pandemic and Web 2.0 have somehow empowered TikTok influencers to establish their online presence and connect with people with similar interests, which I think it’s very interesting and a little ironic as many have believed and said that the pandemic and Web 2.0 have created social distance between human while your essay has proved otherwise.

    Your essay has further strengthened my belief, which is heavily influenced by Taoism that nothing is either inherently good nor bad, but simply exist as they are. It is up to us to give meaning to these events and to make choices based on our interpretation of them.

    Regarding your point about the pandemic and web2.0, I think it’s important to acknowledge the positive aspects that have emerged from these challenges. Despite the negative impact of the pandemic on individuals and communities, it has also highlighted the importance of human connection and brought attention to systemic issues such as racism and inequality. Similarly, it is good to see that your essay has mentioned how web2.0 technology has facilitated greater connectivity and communication among individuals and groups around the world, which I believe has the potential to foster greater understanding and empathy.

    Anyways, I must say, your essay was very well-structured, informative, and full of solid backup evidences. Your introduction gave a clear overview of the topic, and your thesis statement was concise and to the point. Your body paragraphs were well-organized and presented each point with supporting evidence, which helped to reinforce your arguments. I appreciated that you provided a balanced view of the topic and acknowledged different perspectives, which made your essay more informative and credible. Additionally, your use of proper citation methods demonstrated that you have conducted thorough research and used credible sources to support your arguments.

    Overall, your essay was a pleasure to read, and I learned a lot from it. I appreciate the effort and thought that you put into it, and I hope to read more of your work in the future.

    Jun

    1. N.Chong4 Avatar
      N.Chong4

      Hi Jun,

      Thank you for reading my paper. Not only have your thoughts provided a balanced perspective regarding the pros and cons of the pandemic’s impact on Web 2.0, but they also have enhanced my understanding of human connection. I appreciate how you relate Taoism to your understanding of this reading, as I have never considered that before.

      I agree with you that the pandemic certainly has harmed individuals and communities, such as creating social distance between people, but I believe that it had more impact on real-life conversations. As you mentioned, social media have highlighted the importance of human connection virtually and brought attention to systemic issues such as racism and inequality, which many people were afraid to voice their opinions and perspectives before the pandemic, which has the potential to foster greater understanding and empathy. I am grateful that social media has given an equal voice to the public sphere and people with oppressed voices, building a community of like-minded people who share similar values and experiences.

      While discussing this, I have some questions to ask:

      1. What are your thoughts on the increased human connection online that led the community commerce?

      2. Do you think that it is a strategic way to boost the economy and offset the loss of sales during the pandemic?

      3. While there are benefits to this, what are some long-term negative effects that community commerce has caused or will cause?

      Do you have any questions to ask regarding this topic? If so, please don’t hesitate to ask. Thanks again.

      Best,
      Natalie

  6. Jun Avatar
    Jun

    Dear Natalie,

    Thank you for your comment, and I’m glad you found my response helpful. I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge your impressive ability to ask well-thought-out questions. It’s evident that you are taking an active interest in this topic and are thinking deeply about the potential benefits and drawbacks of community commerce. Keep up the great work!

    Now, back to answering questions:
    1. Q: What are your thoughts on the increased human connection online that led the community commerce?
    A: I think it’s great that increased human connection online has led to community commerce. It’s easier for people to connect with each other and find businesses that align with their values. This can also build trust between consumers and businesses.

    2. Q: Do you think that it is a strategic way to boost the economy and offset the loss of sales during the pandemic?
    A: Yes, community commerce is a good way to boost the economy and offset the loss of sales during the pandemic. Supporting local businesses can create jobs and stimulate economic activity.

    3. Q: While there are benefits to this, what are some long-term negative effects that community commerce has caused or will cause?
    A: While it is true that community commerce has benefits, there are also potential negative effects. It could create a divide between urban and rural areas, homogenize culture, and hurt small businesses. We should work to mitigate these negative effects while still enjoying the benefits of community commerce.

    If you have any further questions or thoughts on this topic, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I’m always here to help and engage in meaningful conversations.

    Best regards,
    Jun

    1. N.Chong4 Avatar
      N.Chong4

      Hi Jun,

      Thank you so much for your compliment and your contributions to my paper. I agree with your perspective and am interested in hearing you expand on response 3 where you mention that the community commerce could create a divide between urban and rural areas, homogenise culture, and hurt small businesses. How so?

      Thanks again.

      Best,
      Natalie

  7. Jewel Anderson Avatar
    Jewel Anderson

    Hi Natalie!

    This is a really great read and I enjoyed your exploration of some of the specific users.

    Early in your paper you make comment on the fact that people don’t trust one-way communication, “consumers perceive traditional forms of advertising, like print magazines, as unreliable information sources and often hesitate to make purchases due to its one-way artificial communication”. And while you go onto explore other more important points I do have questions surrounding this.

    I would have assumed that people trust these forms of advertising – like print magazines as more trustworthy because they come from a reputable source and the ads are created by the brand who have to pay large sums of money to get into the publications. Whereas many online products and ads are now Ai generated or a brand has paid someone a smaller amount of money to do a review. While some of these are very legitimate I know from my own experience of scrolling through Tiktok i come across many fake accounts and ‘brands’ that are trying to sell me whatever i’ve been looking at most recently (it’s currently fake eyelash extensions). I am more hesitant to buy what i’ve seen online even though they’re videos vs if I saw the same product in a magazine.

    Do you think this may just be my generation/age (mid 20s) or is there another reason for it?

    Again, great paper, I look forward to hearing what you have to say.

    Jewel

    1. N.Chong4 Avatar
      N.Chong4

      Hi Jewel,

      Sorry for the late response and thank you so much for your time for commenting on my paper.

      I’m glad that you asked this question. I understand where you’re coming from and do agree with you to certain degrees, where advertising can be seen as more trustworthy due to it coming from a reputable source. However, from my perspective, I think there are other factors such as personalisation, interactivity, real-time updates, reviews and recommendations and direct access to brands, that contribute to in perceptions of greater trustworthiness.

      1. Social media’s algorithm, SEO and hashtags (as mentioned in my paper) can categorise certain products to its target audience based on their interests, behaviours and demographics. I believe that with this personalisation, not only ads can seem more relevant and less intrusive while also ensuring that they are not simply pushing products but also providing value and relevance to the consumer. Thus, increasing consumer trust in them.

      2. With social media’s two-way communication, users can interact with others who have common conditions or struggles to seek clarification and evaluate whether a product works, as lots of products are not “one size fits all”. As opposed to traditional media advertisement, the content is heavily scripted and presented mainly from the director or brand’s point of view rather than a consumer, promoting the greatness of the product without considering the target audience’s preferences or specific needs. For example, consumers might be persuaded to try a product based on its advertised benefits, but if the ingredients or functionalities of the product do not align with their personal needs or expectations, they may feel the product has failed and often blaming themselves for not experiencing the promised results, rather than the product’s shortcomings. Furthermore, there are also no chances of discussion or debates, hence the one-way communication can be at a disadvantage and foster mistrust and skepticism.

      3. Leading to my next point, influencers can give real-time updates to their followers especially when it comes to trying out a new skin care products that allows their followers to witness the progression of results over time. I believe this could bring the relationship closer to the audience as these influencers can document their experiences through creating vlog their daily lives as well as review or recommendation videos for specific demographics that relate to them personally, such as step-by-step daily cleansing routine for oily skin. This personal connection and authenticity fosters trust and credibility, making their product recommendations and reviews appear more reliable than traditional advertising.

      4. In today’s digital age, consumers no longer have to go through tedious processes to voice their concerns or complaints about a product. If they are struggling with a product, a message or public comment can be easy for them to directly engage with brands or businesses from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, the fact that these platforms are open to the public encourages businesses to address customer issues efficiently to maintain their reputation. Consumers can also follow up on their complaints or concerns and have real time updates. This increased responsiveness and accessibility not only simplifies the process for consumers but further generate a sense of accountability, which strengthens trust in the brand.

      To answer your last question, I can provide you with some personal examples. When considering a purchase, I often look at the brand’s engagement ratio to its followers. Say, if a brand has more than 50k followers but receive less than 10k views, 2k likes and less than 10 comments (my rough estimate), I personally wouldn’t purchase from them as they can seem like a scam or a bot-driven account. I would also use platforms like TikTok and YouTube to search for the products I’m interested in. I believe as consumers now, we often not only buy from watching advertisements, but using social media for research and collaborate with others within the community also becomes part of our purchase journey. My advice is to buy from recommendations from trusted influencers and check reviews not only from the brand’s website and comments, and also the influencer’s comment sections.

      I hope this answers your question! Let me know if you have other queries.

      Best,
      Natalie

  8. ChorYiu.Lai Avatar
    ChorYiu.Lai

    Hi Natalie,

    Good efforts on the paper. I found this paper insightful and thoughtful, I enjoyed a lot while reading the paper.

    However, here we goes with some question that I want to know more in this paper. How does the influence of Web 2.0 communication methods, particularly through platforms like TikTok, shape the growth of community building, networking, and community commerce, and what role do superfans play in fueling the influencer economy and shaping consumer purchase decisions?

    Thank you in advance for the respone. Would love to hear your thought about this.

    Regards,
    Ben

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