The ways in which we create, consume, and share content are ever-changing, which means that brands must constantly adapt their approach in order to create the most meaningful connections with consumers. Here, we take a look at the rise of user-generated content and the impact that it provides for those who leverage it best.

Since the establishment of the internet nearly 30 years ago, our world has completely transformed. The rise of e-commerce has helped Amazon grow from a small online bookstore to the world’s biggest and most influential retailer, and social media giants like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have become engrained in our daily lives. Still, though, technological advancements don’t come without their challenges, and consumers across the globe are speaking up. In this infographic, we take a look at how consumers feel about the digital world and how brands can appeal to these sentiments.

This may come as a surprise, but social media is no longer purely “social.” Researchers found that activities are increasingly centered around content, news, entertainment, and brand discovery rather than friends and family connections. Here, we learn how and why the shift is occurring.