The readings this week were very interesting, as I've never heard of the term "eWOM" before. However, it's played a big role in my life despite being unbeknownst to me. I always read through reviews and online opinions before buying a product online. I've used RateMyProfessor.com when choosing classes and avoid places that have been rated badly by visitors on Google Maps. I've also given certain TV shows a try based off of what I see people say on Twitter or Tiktok. These are only a few examples of the many ways I've unknowingly relied on eWOM.
While Erkan and Evans found that "people usually receive the eWOM information from their friends and acquaintances in social media", I find that I don't have a preference (Erkan & Evans, 2016). I do not feel more or less influenced by celebrities (as opposed to family and friends). For me, neither and both of their opinions can matter. I only take advice (at least when it comes to eWOM) from people who have what I want. For example, I will buy a skincare product if a celebrity or family member has the skin goals I want.
Forbes describes the social media ecosystem as "users involved in conversations and interactions with various device type as well as more sophisticated usages (publishing, sharing, networking) on various niche services or on generic social platforms" (Cavazza, 2012). As far as my thoughts on this ecosystem, I like it. I like that it is so diverse. There are so many different platforms that vary in usage, content type and the communities that live within them. There truly is something for everyone within the social media ecosystem. Nowadays, I especially love that there isn't only one dominant social media (like there was before). Although I'm sure Facebook and Instagram are numerically still the most popular, more big players have come out. Platforms have diversified, and there are now multiple social media apps sitting at the top.
References:
Cavazza, F. (2012, March 15). An overview of the social media ecosystem. Forbes. Retrieved May 1, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/fredcavazza/2012/03/12/an-overview-of-the-social-media-ecosystem/?sh=b7c2f6c5e7d8
Erkan, I., & Evans, C. (2016). The influence of ewom in social media on consumers’ purchase intentions: An extended approach to information adoption. Computers in Human Behavior, 61, 47–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.03.003
Just as you I have never heard of the term eWOM but yet I have been surrounded by it for quite some time now. You used a perfect example when you mentioned "Ratemyprofessor.com". Everyone in college has used this website so it is very relatable and easy to understand. I tend to use amazon reviews so that I know that if I am going to buy something then it will be worth it.
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