The 2019 Think Forward report published by WeAreSocial.com offers a deep dive into why the state of social media matters. The report unpacks the complex and ever-shifting web of consumer identity and looks at the role brands play in reflecting and shaping it.
The report documents trends and offers fresh insight and salient real-world examples on how social media is changing, and how brands can build resilience in the face of it all.
Some figures highlighted in the report include:
- The total number of active internet users globally – 4,388 billion
- The number of internet users in South Africa – 31,18 million
- The average time daily that South Africans spend using the internet via multiple devices – 8h25
- The average time daily that is spent using the internet via multiple devices globally – 6h42
- The average time South Africans spend on social media – 2h48
- The average time spent on social media globally – 2h16
The report also noted a few acceptable and unacceptable practises that businesses should conform to when it comes to social media. These are namely:
| Acceptable | Unacceptable |
| Only post about company culture, team mates, etc. in appropriate photographs | Provoke, attack, use profanities or offend others |
| Distinguish between personal and work related posts | Publish illicit, racist, sexist, homophobic, or sexually unacceptable content |
| Forward work related questions to the appropriate department or people | Post content promoting hate sites or groups or content that encourages unlawful activity |
| Use common sense and courtesy to admit mistakes and apologise when necessary | Give advice to clients via social media |
| Be respectful of other cultures, religions and values | Post incorrect, confidential, or non-public content about the company or your clients |
| Post correct facts, be truthful and support opinions with facts | Respond to questions or negative comments on the company’s official pages |
