Social Media: The Gift & The Curse

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr; these social media sites have changed the landscape of how we communicate with each other on a day-to-day basis. They allow for networks of people to keep in constant casual contact with one another through Facebook statuses, tweets from twitter, instant picture sharing via Instagram, and outlet to express your individuality through media with Tumblr. However, it was not long ago that none of these options were available. I can still remember back in 2004 when I first joined Facebook and only having a network of only 20 schools to communicate with. Time flies.

Social media has also allowed for music artists to better communicate with their fans and give somewhat of an insiders look at their life through their social media accounts. Artists have been able to build a strong fan base over the last few years primarily because of these social media accounts and the access into their lives that it affords the everyday person.

However, there is a flip side to this exposure. Everyone is not a fan nor supporter. The same sites that allow for artist to communicate with their fans also allow for them to communicate with their “enemies” or “haters”. Over the last year or so, I have seen far too many instances of what I like to call “social media misconduct,” committed by various artist from local to well known. Artists have engaged in arguments with fellow artist and fans, and posted inappropriate material at times.

As an artist manager, it is one of your responsibilities to monitor the content an artist displays through these networks. Social media should be used as a supplement and not be mishandled. All post should have some sort of direction towards a final means. Artists should engage with fans in regards to topics relevant to their career. They should also stay clear of Internet trolls and NEVER engage in any back and forth with someone via the Internet. These people will prey on the insecurities of an artist to evoke a reaction, but an artist must remember that they are the professional and ignoring ignorance is a part of the territory.

We live in an instantaneous world now and social networks have allowed access for anyone to voice their opinion, valid or not. At the end of it all, artists must maintain their professionalism. A reputation takes a lifetime to build and only minutes to destroy. Guard your artist reputation and be very mindful of what is being posted throughout their social media accounts.