Tista’ taqra bil-
Malti.
In an era marked by the digital revolution, Malta has experienced a profound shift in its social media landscape, reshaping the way individuals, businesses, and communities interact.
The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, in collaboration with misco, organised an event delving into current social media trends in Malta, shedding light on their impact on society, business, and culture.
The event presented findings from the ‘Misco Social Media Usage Trends Survey 2023/24’, offering valuable insights into strategies, challenges, and opportunities arising from the rapid evolution of digital communication platforms.
Marthese Portelli, CEO of The Malta Chamber, underscored the significance of comprehending consumer behavior and market trends, aligning with The Malta Chamber’s philosophy.
“The Malta Chamber’s mission is clear. We believe that digitalization is key for business success and will continue spearheading policy change, providing invaluable insights,”Portelli said., adding that technology should serve humanity, not the other way around.
Rebecca Gera, Director of Marketing and Opinion Research Unit at misco, presented the survey’s findings, revealing a growing acceptance of online advertising on social platforms, despite user discomfort with targeted ads.
Gera highlighted a stabilizing trend in online shopping, accompanied by a notable increase in intensity across various product categories. Noteworthy was the finding that 63% of online shoppers prefer local businesses, emphasizing the importance of establishing a digital presence for local enterprises.
A panel discussion ensued featuring Nick Bugeja (CEO, Ballotra), Prof. Franco Curmi (Head of the Marketing Department, University of Malta), Francesca Zammit Cutajar (Head of Marketing, P Cutajar & Co Ltd), and James Vella Clarke (PR and Corporate Communications Director, Corporate ID Group).
Topics included influencer marketing, the decline in breadth of sharing on social media platforms, discomfort surrounding targeted ads, preference for video content among young people, and the increasing prevalence of online shopping among 25-34 year olds.
In her closing remarks, Rachel Bondi Attard, Head of Media and Communications Strategy at The Malta Chamber, urged businesses to embrace the digital revolution. “It’s time to elevate our digital game, leveraging smartphones, social media, and digital platforms to propel businesses to new heights. Let’s also prioritize education to enhance digital literacy and ensure the integrity of information in combating fake news,” she said.
