Lifestyle

The Growing Need of GIFs in Modern Culture

Published

3 years ago

May 18, 2021

According to Influencer Marketing Hub, it has been estimated that more than about 70% of people, particularly millenniums, who live in the United States make use of use of stickers and GIFs when it comes to their daily online conversation. This goes to show just how popular these forms of communication have become in modern times- and there is a very good reason for that too.

GIFs, also short for Graphics Interchange Format, may seem like a new concept for most people. But in reality, what most of us don’t know is that GIFs have actually existed for around 30 years, from way back when it was introduced in 1987. And it is finally a matter of time when GIFs are finally gaining popularity in today’s fast-paced digital world.

GIFs Make Conversation Worth Enjoying

Animated images have become the promptest way for people to express their emotions more accurately, if not better.

Many social media platforms such as Facebook Messenger and Instagram have integrated GIF search engines, allowing their online users to utilize GIFs to make their conversations much more interesting than words ever will be.

Showcases a Sense of Identity

Since GIFs carry pop culture references, we are open to choosing any reference we wish, which expresses our emotional response and represents our personal taste in pop culture.

This way, we have been able to create our identity online, and it has allowed us to meet with people who identify with these references and share similar tastes as us.

Aid in Promoting Events or Products

We have also witnessed that GIFs are the ideal tools you need to market your business online as it allows you to show a close up on products to meet the interest of their target audience.

Moreover, GIFs are also used to explain a complicated procedure- for example, if you are providing a service or a product with complex instructions, animated customized GIFs can help explain it step by step via its visual representation that highlights its best features for further attraction purposes.

Increasing Audience Retention

Jakob Nielsen stated that online users only tend to read about 28% of words that get published on a website. This means that people are more prone to avoiding written content and instead find more appeal in visual forms of the conveyed information.

Written information is often ignored so that the user does not overload themselves with information overload- which is why they can only remember less than half of the written portion, which is not accompanied by any visual images. Consequently, many marketers are now using GIFs in their strategies and publishing visual images to advertise companies and effectively capture their audience’s attention.

And to help out these marketers, many platforms( particularly Conversation Media platforms), are providing their unique set of products and services to help achieve this goal. Since Conversation Media is a father term used to describe every visual form of online communication such as stickers, GIFs, emojis, animojis, and avatars, they have been aiding various platforms by offering customization services and making use of it as a form of entertainment.

Furthermore, they are also known for advocating the appeal of visual communication forms and the importance of their role in modern culture.

Lifestyle

From Wealth to Fields: A Billionaire’s Commitment to Small Farmers

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

In recent years, billionaire Stefan Soloviev has transitioned from the world of New York real estate to the fertile farmlands of the American West.

His journey from urban wealth to rural development showcases a unique dedication to revitalizing small farming communities and transforming the agricultural landscape.

A New Vision for Agriculture

Stefan Soloviev, son of the late real estate tycoon Sheldon Solow, has amassed a considerable amount of farmland across Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Soloviev’s agricultural enterprise, Crossroads Agriculture, spans over 400,000 acres, making him one of the largest landowners in the United States.

This substantial investment is not merely a financial venture; it represents a commitment to supporting and empowering small farmers in these regions.

Soloviev’s approach to farming is characterized by his desire to move away from competitive practices that often leave small farmers struggling. Instead, he emphasizes collaboration and sustainability.

By leveraging his resources, Soloviev aims to create a farming environment where smallholders can thrive alongside larger operations. This philosophy is particularly evident in his strategic acquisition of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, a critical transportation link for agricultural products in the region.

Revitalizing Rural Communities

Soloviev’s impact extends beyond farmland acquisition. His purchase of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad at a bankruptcy auction for $10.7 million highlights his broader vision for the agricultural sector.

This railroad, previously owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings, connects the San Luis Valley to the national rail network, facilitating the efficient transport of goods and boosting local economies.

The acquisition is seen as a positive development for the San Luis Valley, with Soloviev’s Colorado Pacific Railroad expected to be more community-focused and supportive of local initiatives compared to the previous owners. This includes potential cooperation with local recreational projects, such as the proposed Heart of the Valley Trail, which aims to integrate rail and trail use for community benefit.

Soloviev’s dedication to the region is also reflected in his willingness to work with local stakeholders to address community needs. His approach contrasts with more traditional, profit-driven business models and underscores his commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Building a Sustainable Future

Soloviev’s investment in the Colorado Pacific Railroad and the broader agricultural infrastructure is part of a long-term vision to create a more resilient and sustainable farming community. By improving transportation networks and providing support to small farmers, he hopes to mitigate some of the challenges these farmers face, such as market access and transportation costs.

Moreover, Soloviev’s initiatives are seen as a way to preserve and enhance the rural way of life, which is increasingly threatened by industrial farming and urban encroachment. His efforts to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complexities of modern agriculture.

In conclusion, Stefan Soloviev’s transition from urban real estate mogul to a champion of small farmers is a testament to his innovative and community-oriented approach.

His significant investments in farmland and infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and local engagement, are paving the way for a brighter future for small farmers in Colorado and beyond. Through his efforts, Soloviev is not only transforming

the agricultural landscape but also setting a precedent for how wealth and resources can be used to foster positive change in rural communities.