Our very own Amy Tharrington and Susan Johnson were recently asked to talk on the topic of Social Media at the 2008 Amenity Community Marketing Summit. Here are some interesting social media statistics featured in their talk:

• The Society for New Communications Research reports that social media is rapidly becoming a core channel for disseminating information. Fifty-seven percent of [the survey] group of early social media adopters reported that social media tools are becoming more valuable to their activities, while 27% reported that social media is a core element of their communications strategy.

• Recommendations from other consumers was listed as the greatest source of trust in advertising in over 47 countries.

• Consumer opinions posted online ranked #3 on the same source of trust list.

• From a survey of 17,000 internet users 57% have joined a Social Network, making it the number one platform for creating and sharing content. 34% post opinions about products and brands on their blogs. 36% think more positively about companies that have blogs. (Universal McCann, 2008)