It is undeniable social media has impacted society in enormous ways. We live in an age of instant gratification, where we now have immediate access to a plethora of information, news, and advertisements. This meteoric rise in digital technology has also obviously altered the PR world greatly; a profession which depends on anything public-facing now has access to the entire world with the simple click of a button. In fact, the presence of social media has become so prominent, 81% of PR professional’s report their daily work not only incorporates it, but relies on it.[1] The profession has morphed to fit society’s new technology, making it extremely appealing to this unprecedented, social media savvy generation. I am able to understand this first-hand.
Being born in 1999, I can hardly remember a time without the convenience of the internet. My peers and I shudder in disbelief when our parents talk about an era when to look up information, you physically had to go to the library and check out a book. Being spoiled by this convenience and access to information has also been paired with an access to quick and constant communication which my generation values greatly. Whether it be through texting, facetiming, or tweeting, we are masters of all digital methods used to communicate. Research and statistics show 95% of all teens ages 12-17 are online using a mobile device, and 81% of teens use some form of social media daily to communicate with one another.[2] The most popular social media app among teens currently is Snapchat, which involves the sharing of images between two people.[3]This statistic alone makes it clear to see the emphasis placed on communication by young people today. This emphasis is partially responsible for why PR has become so attractive to the rising youth.
An essential portion of Public Relations is possessing the ability to communicate, and to communicate effectively. The flow of information between businesses and the public, organizations, etc. is crucial for successful Public Relations. I believe for the first time, society is raising effective communicators, tailor-made for this profession. Setting aside all the negative effects social media has on youth, it is overall instilling the importance of connections between people. In a generation which thrives on communicating, an occupation encompassing this ability is naturally now more alluring than ever.
Aside from the ability to communicate, PR is attracting the rising generation due to the search for individuals equipped with skills in social media and technology. The once uncharted waters of social media have now been navigated and mapped out by the upcoming youth, and as we enter the workforce, this makes us valuable to employers. I have learned, through my brief time as a high school intern here at Moxē, a large piece of the craft is also to help a company maintain a professional and captivating image to the public. With most people now turning on their iPhones or computer screens to search for businesses and services, it is essential to sustain a positive image online. My peers and I understand this better than anyone.
The modern-day PR has molded into an ideal profession for young people in tune with social trends, networking, and the ability to communicate effectively. As a young person ready to embark on the journey of college, I plan to join many of my peers and major in Communications and pursue Public Relations.
[1] Torossian, R. (2015, June 8). What Is The Impact Of Social Media On PR? Retrieved from
[2] Lenhart, A. (2015, April 9). Teens, Social Media & Technology Overview 2015 Retrieved from
http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/04/09/teens-social-media-technology-2015/
[3] Kosoff, M. (2016, Janurary 31). Dozens of teenagers told us what’s cool in 2016 — these are their favorite (and least favorite) apps Retrieved from