Measuring the Influence of Friends

A study by Forrester Research and Intelliseek in 2006 revealed that recommendations from consumers leads to consumer trust.

Online banner ads are right at the bottom with text ads on mobile phones.

A similar research done by the Nielsen Company reinforces this. “Recommendations from people known” and “Consumer Opinions posted online” top the charts in consumer trust. Online video and banner ads were once again way at the bottom with SMS text ads.

But most of you already know this. Research is just proof that you’re right.

Now we know Rina is influenced by her friends. Big cheese.

Does this apply to local youth in Malaysia?

Let’s see.

In 2008, according to the MCMC: Young Malaysians aged 15 – 34… about 87.7% of them have access to the internet.

The Nielsen study was repeated in Malaysia with identical results.

And day before yesterday… Comscore reports that in Malaysia, social networking penetrates 84.7 % of Malaysians, with social networking visitors visiting a social networking site 22 times a month (almost every day), in the same way my Grandma watches TV every day.

Want to influence a Malaysian youth? Start by being their friend.