According to a recent study social networking on mobile devices is now more popular than social networking through your desktop applications:
91% of mobile phone users go online to socialize compared to only 79% of traditional desktop users.
Mobile phone users are 1.6 times more likely to manage finances compared to traditional desktop users (62% versus 39%).
Mobile phone users are 1.4 times more likely than traditional desktop users to rally support for a cause (67% versus 47%).
Wow. This would put a much larger emphasis on putting resources to your mobile development team than ever before, right?
Eh, maybe not, but it’s definitely something to consider for many ministries. You can read more from the report here by Ruder Finn.
I think the only area that would really be a point of interest is if you’re planning on building an application or product in the ministry space (or if you have one already). The increase in usage is obvious and you’ll want to capture those eyes (and activity) as best as you can.
I need to upgrade my mobile now; the ability to use Social Networks with ease on the phone (especially at no extra cost) is important. Not so much to browse the web, but just to engage. So – for me – the numbers make sense. A service here in South Africa: MXIT, is all the rave with the youth – has been for a while; before Facebook, twitter etc.
no pressure!
I’ve found 23 ways people can connect with our church’s brand on the iPhone even without us having our own custom app. Most of the ways are through the social networks members use on their iPhone or other smartphone:
http://davisseal.com/a-brand-without-an-iphone-app
oooh. like it!
The smartphone age is here and it is revolutionizing how social networking is utilized.
It’s funny when I suggest to clients or other people that they consider how their content looks on, and gets to, mobile devices. The most common reaction I get is that, oh-I’ll-think-about-it-and-never-really-actually-think-about-it-look.
I’ve said it before, and I think these numbers show the trend towards it, mobile devices will be THE modus connektus with/in the next few years.
Ha! I just came across this:
http://twitpic.com/16l4yl
From this report it does seem like people are using the phones to have fun and connect. I wonder if we as a church got better about creating mobile apps that people really loved using if it would result in a more connected, active church body…
Does the “beat the secular world” principle apply here? You know the one…the idea that if people who aren’t Christians are doing it, Christians should do it better so that Christians use Christian stuff. I think that that principle leaves a lot to be desired, but I’m wondering if this is a good example of it in action. That is, the market is gigantic AND wide open, let’s get it while it’s hot. That sorta thing.
(Again, I don’t necessarily support that perspective, nor do I know if I even agree with it at all…just sayin’)