Social Media Accessed from Anywhere, Waking up to Going to Sleep

The increasing uptake of smartphones has led to a massive boost for social media, even in emerging markets.

Consumers like to be able to access information and applications anytime, anywhere, suggested Jennifer L Jacobson, director of public relations at Retrevo.com and social media author.  She emphasised that in emerging markets, people may simply not have enough money to be able to get hold of a laptop or desktop computer, so smartphones plug the gap.

The expert continued: "This portability is part of what makes social media so available and at times addictive.  "No longer is it something you need to be at a desk to do - you can do it virtually anywhere."

Furthermore, the social media market has not yet reached saturation point, meaning there are still plenty of people yet to realise its potential and benefits, Ms Jacobson added.

Almost half of social media users check or update their Facebook and Twitter account in bed, during the night or as soon as they wake up in the morning, according to a study published by Retrevo.  It also found that over 40 per cent of respondents said they did not mind being interrupted for an electronic message.