The social media revolution in Malaysia

If you make customers unhappy in the physical world, they might each tell 6 friends. If you make customers unhappy on the Internet, they can each tell 6,000 friends. – Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon

Recently, a heartwarming story unfolded in Selangor — a missing girl was found safe after being reported missing for three days during the Bon Odori Japanese festival at Eco Galleria in Iskandar Puteri, Johor. In such cases, the first 24 hours are crucial, akin to a critical window for locating the child. If this golden hour passes, the chances of finding the missing child diminish significantly. Thankfully, the girl was located in Batang Kali, Selangor, thanks to swift and accurate police action. But there’s more to this story — the power of unity and social media in this outcome.

Malaysia, being a multicultural country, is blessed with unity. And I must say that social media amplified this unity and played a pivotal role in locating the girl. Information spreads rapidly through online sharing and reposts across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Perhaps, you have seen these updates too, which significantly leads to higher chances of finding her. 

Today, almost everyone in Malaysia uses social media, making it a faster information-sharing platform than traditional media. Ask around, and you won’t be surprised that one has at least two social media accounts across different platforms. I have to shyly admit that I, too, have more than two social media accounts.

Today, social media isn’t just a trend. It has become an integral part of our lives, transforming the way we communicate and share information. It is also a powerful force that shapes our interactions and influences our choices. In the past, people relied primarily on newspapers, radio, and television for news. Now, social media platforms have taken centre stage, offering a faster, more dynamic way to stay informed. Whether you’re a tech-savvy Gen Z or a seasoned millennial, chances are you are already part of this digital landscape.

So, what’s driving this shift? The allure lies in the sheer variety of communication channels and formats available. Sure, we’ve all heard of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, but there’s more to explore, like Spotify, YouTube, and Xiao Hong Shu. Each platform caters to different preferences. Spotify and YouTube cater to those who prefer audio and video content, while TikTok and Instagram thrive on viral trends and eye-catching visuals.

But social media is not just about sharing cat videos or vacation photos. It is a dynamic realm that opens doors for content creators, bloggers, and podcasters. In this ever-evolving world, what roles do these digital trailblazers play? Before we delve further, let’s decode some jargon. Some common jargon that we have heard of are influencers and key opinion leaders (KOLs). While the overall goals may be similar, they still vary.

Influencers: They sway opinions, often leveraging their large followings to impact consumer choices. They built credibility through genuine knowledge or perceived expertise.
Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs): These subject experts maintain a respected social status within their industry. These are like doctors, politicians, or consultants. Their credibility stems from expertise.
Key Opinion Consumer (KOCs): This is the newest form of influencer. They are valued for their opinions based on real experiences with products and services. Usually, they do not have a status quo, which makes them relatable to the audience. Followers may be smaller, but their followers are loyal. 

Admittedly, different industries define all this jargon differently. However, regardless influencers, KOLs, or KOCs, they all have a similar goal, which to make an impact and connect with their audience. 

Charting your path to be the next media sensation?

Before you decide, pause and reflect first. What are your aspirations? What kind of branding do you envision? Each route — whether influencer, Key Opinion Leader (KOL), or Key Opinion Consumer (KOC) — requires distinct strategies. After all, building a personal brand on social media seems glamorous, but it’s no walk in the park. Success hinges on creativity, persistence, and unwavering consistency. 

If you think this is the path you want to venture out, do ask yourself if you are ready for the public spotlight. Sharing your life on social media, where it reaches thousands, even millions, means exposing yourself to praise and criticism. Can you handle both?

One last piece of advice for today’s sharing is building your brand on social media is not just about follower count, but it is about the impact you create. Every post shapes your personal brand.

• The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.