The pendulum swings. Personal Media is ready to step into its defining moment.

Social Media:

Social Media has provided so much benefit to so many, essentially making the world a smaller place. In doing this, it has at the Macro level provided a way of connecting instantly with anyone, anywhere at any time across the globe. Which sounds like it is connecting people like never before and in some instances it is. Fantastic right, well.... the illusion it has created is, that it is connecting people at a greater scale on a Micro level as well. Making it easier for me to participate in my best buddy Jeff's life from the lounge instead of reality.

However, as I was watching a keynote presentation from Gabor Maté regarding disconnection and how its impacts are rippling through the fabric of modern-day society. It has reinforced my belief in relation to the significant micro impact social media is having on society today. Disconnecting through the illusion of connection. Social Media is such a subtle and subversive beast drawing us in with the chance we can become virally popular any second now, only to mysteriously disappear down a rabbit hole where the concept of time is unobtainable. Only to resurface and discover that I have missed my kids' soccer game, friend's birthday or entire days. Social Media is relatively new in the big picture, with its long-lasting impacts for society, yet to be fully understood.

When I filter social media through the lens of my most recent studies in counseling and community services. At a foundational level it was I believe impossible, for the Facebook behemoth to become anything else. Starting out as a way for Ivy League colleges to rate how women look (a platform of competition and judging). Evolving into the juggernaut it has become today, it would be no surprise to me if it slowly destroyed itself. Social Media has interrupted television as a marketing medium. Becoming a leader in direct sales and targeted marketing, by harvesting as much data as possible. But that's another article...

Professional Media:

LinkedIn started out as a place to go when looking for a job with a component of B2B sales. Just like a Kardashian has shown us how to commoditize social media. LinkedIn has provided the platform and education in the world of Professional Media when conducting B2B. LinkedIn is the sensible grown-up sibling of the digital era, that has been invited into the cool gang that everyone wants to hang with. As a result of this newfound social capital, LinkedIn has been able to leverage up its "popular kid" value which has led Influencer's to attempt to recreate their success through strategies that have worked on Social Media Platforms. Ultimately blurring the lines between social and professional media platforms.

LinkedIn has rapidly evolved in the last 12 months. Essentially from a professional business platform that was disrupting the recruitment space. A network to validate your professional credentials through people you have worked for or with.

Into what is now, creating a boom in personal branding for people who are being referred to as influencers. However, the LinkedIn platform (algorithm) works differently. Which has ultimately created a space for the Engager. Somewhat savvier than the standard social media user, LinkedIn users are leveraging their knowledge and expertise in specific areas, creating a niche out of personal quirks, to connect with their "people/tribe" to provide insight and awareness for others (value). Subtly selling after building a relationship with their "followers" as a result of niche expert content posted.

The LinkedIn algorithm appears to be in constant flux which I think can be a good thing. However, can make it difficult to conduct business in a confident way. If you look at the removal of likes on Instagram in Australia and Canada, the impact that has on a company or individual to "Influence" from a business perspective diminishes. It's scary to think that your growing business could be switched off overnight. Some may believe that It would be crazy for LinkedIn to do something like Instagram, plus they already have commoditized their value. A free month of platinum subscription evolving into the subscription to salesforce business tool an impression of a CRM.

Welcome to the new era of business where an algorithm can make or break what you set out to achieve.

Personal Media:

As the pendulum swings space inevitably opens up, listening to current push back from society and government in relation to social media and its power. What I am hearing from leaders such as Jacinda Ardern regarding social media and the ABC's Q & A program on mental health. It is a request for something new, something different. Something other than total exposure.

Hearing this I am reminded of a favorite quote (and name) of mine from Richard Buckminster Fuller

“You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”

Knock Knock...... Enter Encapsulator a Digital Time Capsule company founded by Danny Shannon and his willingness to give back in the AOD recovery space. It was during one of their early staff meetings that the phrase "Personal Media Platform" was first uttered.

While I am in no way suggesting Personal Media will replace any other types of media. What I am saying is as the pendulum swings it opens up a defining moment in time, do people actually want something different? "YES" its a resounding yes.

Built out of the foundation of happiness by giving, with an Ethos of wanting to help people with less to become more. Encapsulator sits at the alternative end of the spectrum to Facebook foundationally. They don't want your information or data... WTF? Encapsulator just wants to help you, become the best you, you can be. "I just wanted to make people happy" Founder Danny Shannon

You may be struggling to grapple with this concept at first. I can hear the gasps now! "you mean to create content for the sole purpose of....... Me?" I know right what a loving and caring thing to do. Which is in my belief, exactly what the world could do with right now some self-love, self-care and a great big healing hug.

The experience Encapsulator creates is profoundly unique, confronting and beneficial on a personal level with the potential ripple effect of mass self-care an exciting prospect. A self-help tool designed specifically to improve people's lives through a unique use of technology. Such a different foundational space than its predecessors.

A confidential space, free from outside influence and ego, allowing individuals to record and upload content into a time-locked vault for future benefit. A platform that paradoxically introduces you to the greatest influencer in your life.... YOU!!!!

Social Media has now been the Status Quo long enough. It will be interesting to see if, how or where Personal Media will sit or be adopted. One thing is for sure we are seeing people and government(s) push back, in the social media space an unconscious request for something different.

Encapsulator has organically grown, by assisting people who are transitioning from a life of substance dependence, and the criminal justice system. Supporting their struggle into a world of their own understanding and choice. Supporting Self Awareness, Self Connection, by leveraging a leveling up of accountability to become congruent with their values and goals.

Evolving into a self-help tool for anyone wanting to be accountable to change. With a myriad of other uses identified in the corporate and private world. It is only a closed mind that cannot see the benefits encapsulator provides.

Encapsulator is a Personal Media Platform that uncle Buckminster could be proud of. A way to discover yourself free from ego, outside influence or impact. FREEDOM..... from the bondage of the online world.

Something Different........