crowd and use social media to do this as they like to ‘ belong ’. Social Media provides this . Their posts and comments have to be understood in this context . Others , perhaps the opinion leaders ( or the loud ones ) like to broadcast , and perhaps are more prone to anger and boasting in their comments ( which when psycho-analysed perhaps suggests insecurities and / or needs not met in their “ real ” day to day lives ). Again , these are ‘ true ’ comments but context is everything . In truth , where public and visible ( i . e . not password protected / private ) Social Media channels provide a great source of on-going open sentiment and broadcasted opinions for those that use these channels ( and the sub-segments of these , as I described a moment ago ). In our experience though , using this social data for deeper research and moreover for diagnostic ( why ) study and deciphering real business issues is not recommended . Controlled , targeted and well-designed Market Research study provides much more precise and reliable data and information . But this
Darren Mark Noyce requires the goodwill of our respondents of course ... thinking occurs under pressure , but not usually though . A good timescale and good budget will lead to a better project and outcome .
Are consumers really forthcoming with their true feelings on social media platforms or is it a herd mentality ? Can we trust such opinions ?
Darren Mark Noyce : Some consumers love to spout their opinions ; others avoid social media like it is the plague ( my step-dad and my best mate included , so they are not represented or reachable via facebook and twitter ). Some like to share , some like to keep their activity and opinions to themselves . Many of us are somewhere in between , and select the times , occasions and platforms / channels on which we share . Can we trust what they say ? Yes , but in context . Some are , as you suggest in the question , going along with the
A good timescale and good budget will lead to a better project and outcome .