5 motivations for sharing:
- Altruism. We share to bring valuable and entertaining content to others. We think about what our friends want to know, and try to help them out.
- Self-definition. We share to define ourselves to others. Perhaps this notion is better phrased as, “you are what you share”. People consciously shape their online persona by the types of things they share.
- Empathy. We share to strengthen and nourish our relationships. Sharing shows someone else we’re thinking about them and we care.
- Connectedness. We share to get credit and feedback for being a good sharer, to feel valuable in the eyes of others.
- Evangelism. We share to spread the word about a cause or brand we believe in.
In essence it is about relationships both weak and strong.
The 6 types of people who share:
- Altruists tend to be female, want to help others and spread the word about good causes. Motivated by altruism (of course), empathy, connectedness and evangelism. They tend to share on email and Facebook.
- Careerists are professionals with strong networks, who like to share serious, useful content and build a reputation for doing so. Motivated by self-definition and connectedness. They tend to use email and LinkedIn.
- Hipsters tend to be young and male. They like to start conversations and show who they are by sharing. Motivated by self-definition, empathy and connectedness. They tend to use Twitter and Facebook.
- Boomerangs want to get a reaction. They like to start debate and generate lots of comments, positive or negative. Motivated by connectedness. They tend to share on many platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, email and blogs.
- Connectors are mostly female, and they share to stay close with their friends. They like content that can lead to offline experiences. Motivated by empathy and connectedness. They tend to share on email and Facebook.
- Selectives are older and more traditional. They share limited information of specific value to specific people. Motivated by altruism and connectedness. They tend to share on email.
The New York Times Customer Insight Group recently conducted a three-phase study, titled "The Psychology of Sharing," to determine what motivates people to share information online. Understanding the factors that spur the sharing of content on the web is valuable to online marketers, social media experts, and business people in general.
The first phase of the study involved in-person interviews in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. The second phase of the study was a one-week sharing panel. The final phase included a survey of 2,500 online sharers and the identification and classification of sharers.
Sharing is Not New
One participant of the study noted that sharing is not new; people have always shared information, thoughts, and ideas. How else could a culture possibly be passed on? Imagine family clans of old, telling and retelling stories to pass along information to the younger generations. Today, as we are no longer bound by the physical realm (pencil and paper), the Information Age allows us to share:
- more content
- more often
- with more people
- more quickly
The enormity of the change the internet has brought to the world is still unfolding. Consider that events that were once recorded on paper by journalists to be distributed to the public via newspaper, radio, or television can now be captured and uploaded or even streamed live for all of the world to witness in just a few seconds. Information is coming in a purer form, which allows individuals to think for themselves.
Reasons to Share Online
Several main reasons for sharing online were identified through the course of the study. In general, we share:
- to bring valuable and entertaining content to others
- to define ourselves to others
- to grow and nourish relationships
- for self-fulfillment
- to market causes or brands
Types of Sharers
The study revealed six types of online sharers:
Altruists are helpful, reliable, and thoughtful. Many altruists stay connected with email and pass along information in attachments and links. An example of an altruist is someone who sends a relevant job posting to an out-of-work friend or a medical article to a family member with health problems.
Careerists are intelligent web users who have been quick to see the immense value of social networking. Careerists use websites like LinkedIn and FaceBook to build professional profiles and relationships. Some careerists find online work (such as contractual projects) and can forget about setting the alarm clock, working independently at their convenience.
Hipsters are young, popular, creative, and prefer the cutting edge of technology. They're less likely to email, opting for newer, quicker methods of communication, like text, Twitter or Skype message.
Boomerangs share content for validation and reaction. Empowered with information, Boomerangs use social websites like Twitter and Facebook to post thoughtful questions and comments to engage other users.
Connectors are creative, thoughtful, and relaxed. They are likely to make plans via email and Facebook, hook up online discounts, and take advantage of freebies and promotions. Think of the money Connectors can save! (Remember not to text and drive as you look for the address of your half-priced manicure.)
Selectives are resourceful, thoughtful, and careful about the information they share. Someone who is a Selective sharer may prefer to send an email or private message to communicate, rather than a social update or post. These intelligent sharers understand the permanence of everything posted to the web, knowing that every message is indexed, even if you delete it or move it to your desktop trash bin.
How to Encourage Online Sharing
If you appeal to the motivation to connect with each other -- not with just your brand -- you will encourage sharing. Here are some tips to remember when soliciting replies, posts, or other online content.
- keep it simple
- have a sense of humor
- create a sense of urgency
Remember, you are not simply trying to share your content one time. You want it to be shared and then shared again and again and again...
Source: why do people share online.