Let’s Talk: Studio Talent Collective Blog

Civility Online is HERE... and thank God for that!

Over the last few years, it feels like we've all become a little accustomed to noise.

You can't scroll social media without seeing someone arguing with someone else, a headline designed to make you angry, or a piece of content deliberately created to divide people. Somewhere along the way, it felt like the louder, more controversial and more combative you were, the more attention you received.

And to be fair, for a while, that worked.

But lately, I've noticed something changing.

I was listening to a podcast with Emma Grede and Gary Vaynerchuk recently, and Gary spoke about what he believes is coming next online: the rise of civility.

Now, civility isn't a word we hear every day, but simply put, it means treating people with respect, kindness and consideration, even when you don't agree with them.

And the more I thought about it, the more I realised we're already seeing it happen.

People seem tired.

Not necessarily tired of social media itself, but tired of constantly being sold fear, outrage and negativity. Tired of being told everything they're doing wrong. Tired of feeling like every piece of content is trying to provoke a reaction.

Instead, people are looking for things that make them feel good.

They want stories about people doing amazing things. They want to celebrate wins. They want community. They want humour. They want entertainment. They want to feel hopeful.

I think that's one of the reasons shows like Off Campus and so many other feel-good series (books and associated content) are finding such loyal audiences. In a world that can sometimes feel heavy, people are actively seeking content that feels lighter.

And honestly, I think that's a really positive shift.

It also got me thinking about marketing.

For years, we've been taught to lead with pain points. Find the problem. Agitate the problem. Make the problem bigger. Then sell the solution.

While there is absolutely a place for understanding your audience's challenges, I wonder if we're entering a season where the brands that stand out won't necessarily be the loudest.

Maybe they'll be the most encouraging.

Maybe they'll be the ones sharing success stories instead of scare tactics.

Maybe they'll be the businesses creating communities people genuinely want to be part of.

Maybe they'll simply make people feel a little better after interacting with them.

As Studio Owners, creatives and leaders, I think that's something worth considering.

When someone lands on your social media, reads your emails or walks through your doors, how do they feel?

Do they feel inspired? Encouraged?

Supported? Excited?

Because if Gary's prediction is right, and I suspect it is, the future may belong to brands that create connection rather than conflict.

And personally, I think that's a future worth being part of. 💜

✨Thanks for reading xx Josephine 

P.S. Maybe the rise of civility starts with the rooms we choose to be in. 💚 If you're looking for a supportive community of studio owners and performing arts industry leaders, come and try our online social club The Greenroom free for your first month.

Go to: https://www.studiotalentcollective.com/greenroom