J'cans observe Social Media Day

Jamaicans will today join others in the digital world in celebrating the annual Social Media Day. The observance will involve a local tweetup, endorsed by creators of the global trend, popular social knowledge portal, Mashable (www.mashable.com). It will see tech-savvy social bugs and corporate entities gathering to recognise the digital revolution in a tweetup which is being held at the Spanish Court Hotel in St Andrew.

The purpose of the global event, according to Mashable, is to celebrate social networks and users, recognising and honouring the digital revolution happening around the world.

Social ideators Corve DaCosta and Shane Bennett, organisers of the tweetup, said today's event will be the largest of its kind in Jamaica and will offer feedback to companies as well as advice for business as they network with users. The event will also allow persons and businesses to share experiences and reflect on the impact of social media on commerce.

"The social media explosion continues to shift how thought leaders and businesses understand consumers by simply sharing in conversations. Trends, tweets and topics continue to connect the world and is the essence of where the international business is going. As a result, we aim to celebrate the people who power these platforms and are honoured to be endorsed by Mashable as we host the local leg of this global phenomenon," DaCosta and Bennett have said.

Many countries across the globe, including Australia, the Philippines, United States and Brazil, are observing Social Media Day. The local leg is free to the public. Social bugs are invited to begin sharing their experiences about local brands using the hashtags #SMDayJamaica as well as #SMDay in collaboration with the global celebrations.