July 6, 2009 / Staff

Michael Jackson, Social Media and The Digital World

: Image via Wikipedia

Bow Your Head For A Legend

We learned Michael Jackson passed away via mobile text messages and tweets that arrived via blackberry mobile apps - twitterberry and SMS messages- within minutes of each other. What is noteworthy here is the news was not delivered via main stream media until well after the word about Michael’s death was on fire online.

The lack of real-time information from traditional media outlets sent millions of people searching for the latest, most relevant news about Michael Jackson from nimble, new media. Definitely a sign of the digital times and a huge reminder that real-time collaboration and new media is invaluable.

The Internet & Michael Jackson

The internet has been bearing the weight of MJ’s overwhelmed public since word spread like wild fire via tweets and text messages. Even Google slowed down considerably under the crush of Michael Jackson searches. All types of digital communication records are being broken but those directly associated with social media, mobile applications and search engines should not be overlooked or undervalued.

In the first hour after memorial tickets were announced, staplescenter.com had 500 million hits. Over 1.6 million people registered for a chance to win a ticket to attend his memorial and fans are flying in from half way around the world to pay their respects. If all these organic conversations and blossoming communities haven’t proven the importance of the social web, we don’t know what will!

Digital “Thriller“: Social Media & MJ Search Facts

Hours before main stream media confirmed his death, other social media networks confirmed TMZ‘s report was correct.

Social Media networks where overcome by an outpouring of grief shortly after the news was shared.

Within 24 hours, news about Michael’s death dominated blogs, search engines and social media networks.

Shocked fans and other interested parties flocked to social networks, blogs and used mobile apps to immediately pay their condolences and express their emotions w-a-y before anyone could even contemplate a formal memorial.

On Twitter Michael Jackson mentions amounted to about 30% of all tweets – simply unheard of.

Within three days Diddy (@iamdiddy) tweeted a link to a tribute song for Michael Jackson featuring The Game, Chris Brown, Diddy, Usher, Mario Winans, Boyz2Men. (Minus one derogartory word, the song “Better On The Other Side” was a pretty respectful collaboration.)

Within five days Michael Jackson claimed the Billboards top 9 positions, breaking Billboard Chart Records.

Social Media Is Off The Wall

Michael Jackson’s Facebook Fan Page now holds the #1 position pointing out two things:

1) MJ will be deeply missed

2) social networking is vital. Period!?

Business will continue to go on and the world will pause to say fairwell to Michael tomorrow. But let’s not get caught up in swirling controversies and totally miss what this digital awakening is really teaching us.

Lesson 1: Be authentic and digitally connected (or else).

Lesson 2: Sharing is good for the soul and the bottom line!

Perhaps now that leary individuals and organizations have witnessed just how powerful real-time communications is, courtesy of Michael Jackson, they will start embracing new media and finally get “Off The Wall“.

Share your thoughts in the comments.