Searching for Events through Social Media: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

The evolution of the Internet has been a big driver of the revolution that assists in the communication world, a new society of communication mediated by the latest information technology with tools that allow a direct connection between the elements of social communities. The online media, especially social media, are of particular importance both for the wider audience they reach, but also on the ease of use and the limited financial resources they need.

Social media and social networks are no longer seen as the future, but as the actual present and should be considered by stakeholders in a strategic and useful way for their goals are achieved form.

In this study we sought to understand whether currently the main way to search for events is through social media and if event consumers have difficulties in query and suggest solutions to improve the search experience of the event.

Framed on the assumption of the use of technology, we studied the Technology Acceptance Model, and one of its adaptations proposed by Gefen (2003) incorporating the habit variable, which served as the inspiration and guide for the development of this work.

The fieldwork was carried out by conducting a survey answered by 250 people with results confirming that the social media is the primary means of dissemination.

It was also concluded that people recommend improvements in how events are currently seeking, preferring to have a centralized way to aggregate and event information disclosed by the major social networks.

This study intends to contribute to a better understanding of the consultation and disclosure of events through social media and also leaves some clues for future investigations.