As we noted yesterday, we’re proud and excited to be releasing a series of visualizations that bring to life our theory of the “Four Layers of Networks” that journalists and media organizations must strategically integrate into their planning for maximum impact.
Those four layers are:
- Networked users
- Self-organized networks
- Institutional Networks
- Networks of Institutions
Today, we tackle “Networked Users.”
The visualization below lays out out how media organizations must strategically think about integrating and interacting with networked users. As we write in Beyond The Echo Chamber, “The audience has morphed into users who are connected to both the outlet and multiple social networks. They can take on a myriad of roles that benefit the outlet. Ultimately, such interactions empower users with information and activities that can increase the impact of the news and information being disseminated.”
As noted in the visualization, “Media makers must learn to work with users who are connected to multiple networks and can distribute, amplify, and serve as ambassadors for the media producer’s content.”
Characteristics of Networked Users include:
- some influential users can serve as valuable connectors, amplifying content, issues and campaigns
- networked individuals use participatory media to form and strengthen connections based on friends and family, proximity, work, personal identity, political affiliation and more.
Media producers must also ask themselves these strategic questions when thinking about how to work with Networked Users.
- How does your project attract and interact with networked users?
- What tools or strategies can you use to make content spreadable and participatory?
- How networked are you and your staff?
Each of the following layers (and corresponding visualizations) are based on the role and foundation of Networked Users. Tune in tomorrow for: Self-Organized Networks!
