Latest news with #participation
Fast Company
02-07-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
Wired to participate: Why marketing must evolve beyond broadcasting
Ninety-nine percent of human history was spent in small hunter-gatherer tribes. Though we've built modern civilizations, our brains remain fundamentally tribal, hardwired for the specific social dynamics that kept our ancestors alive. This evolutionary legacy holds a powerful secret for modern marketers —one that challenges everything about how brands engage with people today. We are not wired to watch. We are wired to participate. From prehistoric rituals to TikTok trends, humans have always needed to take part. We seek not just to observe culture, but to leave fingerprints on it. And in our era of infinite content and AI -generated everything, participation has become the proof that something is real. Marketing has undergone several transformative shifts in how it views the people it aims to reach: In the industrial era, people were consumers. In the broadcast era, they became audiences. In the digital era, they evolved into users. Today? They're co-creators. For Gen Z and Gen Alpha, participation isn't just preferred—it's expected. They don't follow celebrities; they duet with them. They don't just wear brands; they remix them. They don't want backstage passes; they want a seat on the creative team. To them, brands that only broadcast don't just feel dated—they feel exclusionary. PARTICIPATION AS A BIOLOGICAL IMPERATIVE Participation isn't a marketing trend; it's hardwired into our neurochemistry and psychology. It satisfies core human needs that governed our tribal ancestors' survival: Autonomy: 'I choose this.' Competence: 'I'm good at this.' Belonging: 'I'm part of this.' Recognition: 'Someone saw me.' Identity: 'This is who I am.' Meaning: 'This matters.' Our reward systems light up when we contribute. Dopamine fuels our desire to act. Oxytocin strengthens bonds during shared experiences. Mirror neurons trigger imitation when we see others participating. Flow states create immersion and self-actualization. While Claude Hopkins pioneered scientific advertising in 1923, creating a model of persuasion that's still dominant today, this approach fundamentally misaligns with how humans operate. We've mastered the art of telling, but forgotten the power of inviting. Most brands still plan campaigns in silos, broadcast stories to the masses, collect feedback without acting on it, and prioritize control over collaboration. Meanwhile, engagement decreases, trust erodes, and content is ignored. But people don't want to be audiences anymore; they want to be actors in the story. Creating a participatory brand requires more than occasional UGC contests or social prompts. It demands a systematic approach: Invite: Create a meaningful role for people. Open a door. Extend a genuine invitation to shape, remix, or influence something that matters. Equip: Make participation easy. Provide the tools, prompts, language, and assets people need to take action. Showcase: Make participation visible. Celebrate contributors. Let the community see itself reflected in what you do. Evolve: Let what people create inform what comes next. Participation should change your brand, not just feed it. This isn't just a tactic—it's a growth model. The more people participate, the more invested they become. The more invested they are, the more likely they are to evangelize, contribute again, and defend the brand publicly. FROM CAMPAIGNS TO CULTURAL PLATFORMS If participation is the goal, the campaign model needs to evolve: Campaigns are built to start and stop. Participation platforms are built to grow. A participation platform gives people a role, offers shared value, and evolves based on community input. It's a sandbox, not a sermon. A stage, not a setlist. Look at Nike Run Club: Runners don't just use an app; they join a movement that values consistency, effort, and progress. Or Liquid Death, which doesn't advertise like a beverage company but operates like a fan-powered cult. Stanley Cup tumblers transformed from utilitarian products into cultural phenomena through TikTok rituals, color drops, and collective culture-building. WHY IT MATTERS NOW We're entering an era of synthetic everything: AI-generated art, voice, video, and text. In this increasingly artificial landscape, participation becomes the proof of humanity. It's how we know something is real. It's how we know someone cares. It's how we feel something matters. Participation is the antidote to apathy. For brands, this is a tectonic shift. Those that embrace participation will build resilience, relevance, and long-term value. Those that don't will struggle to matter in a culture that demands involvement. The brands of the future won't just make things for people. They'll make things with people. And the ones who embrace participation now—in the messy, early, authentic way—will earn something no algorithm can fake: trust, affection, belonging, meaning.
Washington Post
30-06-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
Nations are meeting to drum up trillions to combat poverty — but the US isn't going
UNITED NATIONS — Many of the world's nations are gathering starting Monday in Spain for a high-level conference to tackle the growing gap between rich and poor nations and try to drum up trillions of dollars needed to close it. The United States, previously a major contributor, pulled its participation, so finding funding will be tough.
The Independent
29-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Survey reveals true cost of children's sports – and which is the most expensive
Parents in the UK are spending an average of £443 annually to support their children 's participation in sporting activities, a new survey suggests. The poll, conducted for payment provider Clearpay, found that children involved in organised sport typically engage in three different activities each year. Football emerged as the most popular choice, played by 62 per cent of children, followed by swimming at 42 per cent, and dance at 20 per cent. However, the cost of participation varies significantly across sports. Hockey was identified as the most expensive, with parents shelling out an average of £460 per year. Dance and basketball followed, costing £395 and £372 respectively, while tennis (£359) and gymnastics (£350) also ranked among the pricier options. The survey also broke down where the majority of the funds are allocated. Lessons and coaching represent the largest outgoing cost, averaging £81. Specialist kit accounts for £67, with footwear, including football boots and trainers, adding another £66 to the annual expenditure. Budgets also stretch to travel (£62), club memberships (£59) and equipment (£43). Despite the cost, almost two-thirds of parents (65 per cent) say they place no financial limit on how much they will spend to support their child's sport. However, the cost-of-living crisis has also had an impact, with more than half of parents (53 per cent) saying it has limited the number of sports their child can try. More than one in five parents (21 per cent) also admit they regret how much they have spent on sporting activities that their children have since given up. The poll also found major events have motivated nearly a quarter of children (24 per cent) to try a new sport, with 37 per cent of parents reporting that watching Wimbledon inspired their children to pick up a racquet for the first time. Rich Bayer, UK country manager at Clearpay, said: 'Parents are committed to giving their children access to different sports, which inevitably comes with a price tag. 'Ultimately, this investment will hopefully create a generation of people with a lifelong love of sport and active lifestyles.' Opinium surveyed 2,000 parents with children aged between five and 17 between 13 and 20 June.
The Guardian
19-06-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Cost of children's sport rises in Australia as voucher programs fail to budge participation
Parents of young cricketers, footballers and basketball players are now paying more than $500 a year on average for their children to play, plus more on equipment, according to a national survey highlighting Australia's most expensive codes, as state governments pledge hundreds of millions of dollars to ensure sport is not just for the wealthy. But new research from the University of Sydney has found subsidising families' sporting costs through the use of government vouchers alone is not enough, after two prominent recent examples – including a high profile New South Wales scheme – failed to increase sport participation at scale. This evidence comes as the Queensland government expands its voucher scheme, now costing taxpayers $62.5m a year, and similar programs have been in place in every state. At the same time, the increasing price of children's sport has been highlighted by cost breakdowns in the government's AusPlay survey, released again in 2025 after a year's break due to a change in methodology. It shows several popular sports including gymnastics, tennis, swimming, cricket, athletics, basketball and football cost parents more than $500 a year on average in registration, membership and venue access, and excluding outlays required for uniforms, bats, rackets, boots and balls. Only gymnastics showed any decrease from the last time AusPlay data was released in 2023, highlighting a trend of escalating costs going back years. Rochelle Eime, professor in sports science at Federation University, said there has been a longstanding association between participation and socioeconomic status, and a voucher worth $100 or $200 a year is insufficient for many families. '$150, $200, it doesn't really cut through does it, when you're trying to pay the rent and keep the lights on, put food on the table – something's got to give,' she said. Eime said sports need to try to offer alternatives, and move from formal, organised and often expensive settings to a more 'person-centred' approach focused on enjoyment and retention. 'We get very busy organising things, and sport prioritises grading and talent development and trying to fit into structures and stuff like that,' she said. 'The majority of kids just want to have fun and play with their friends, and if they're enjoying themselves, they'll come back.' Sign up to Australia Sport Get a daily roundup of the latest sports news, features and comment from our Australian sports desk after newsletter promotion The average cost for a football player was $334 in 2016, rising to $459 in 2022 before the latest figure of $513 covering the survey period across 2023 and 2024. Basketball's average outlay rose from $414 to $551 between the latest two reports. The University of Sydney research revealed the Active Kids voucher program in NSW failed to deliver the kind of broad society-level increases in physical activity and weekly sport participation had aimed for. Between 2018 and 2022, when the program offered $100 vouchers, physical activity fell and weekly sport participation was found to have dropped significantly, from 70.3% to 53.6%. Dr Lindsey Reece, who is one of the study's authors and also the Australian Sport Commission's sport programs director, posted on LinkedIn this month saying: 'Covid-19 certainly played a role – but even outside of pandemic years, the expected boost in activity did not materialise across the population.' The key takeaway she posited was that while financial support matters, vouchers alone 'are not enough to shift the dial on children's physical activity at scale' and future programs 'must incorporate targeted, evidence-based behaviour change strategies and address inequities in access and participation'. The report suggests media campaigns and partnerships with community leaders and organisations should be considered in future to encourage further uptake in targeted children and adolescents. The government's decision to make the Active Kids program means-tested in 2024, 'may contribute to closing the socioeconomic gap in physical activity and this adapted program should be evaluated,' the report said. Those who spoke a primary language other than English at home, were aged 15 to 18 years old, lived in the most disadvantaged areas, and were girls were less likely to sign up for sport. Rising costs are a major concern for officials within the Australian Sports Commission who have commissioned a separate report into the impacts of the high cost of participating in sport, due to be released in coming months.
Geeky Gadgets
18-06-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
7 AI Hacks to Transform Your Online Community Into a Thriving Hub
What if you could turn your online community into a thriving, self-sustaining hub where members feel valued, engaged, and eager to participate—all without doubling your workload? It might sound like a lofty goal, but with the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), this vision is more attainable than ever. From automating tedious tasks to delivering hyper-personalized experiences, AI is reshaping the way communities operate. The result? A space that feels dynamic, inclusive, and tailored to its members' needs. Whether you're managing a niche forum or a sprawling digital network, the right AI strategies can transform your community into a place where connections flourish and participation soars. In this deep dive, Creator Magic explore seven innovative ways AI can transform your online community. You'll discover how to create personalized onboarding experiences that captivate new members, use AI to reignite interest among inactive users, and even bridge the gap between online and offline interactions. But that's just the beginning. These strategies aren't just about automation—they're about fostering genuine engagement and building a sense of belonging. By the end, you'll have actionable insights to elevate your community into something truly epic, where every member feels seen, valued, and inspired to contribute. Because in a world of endless digital noise, creating a meaningful space is the ultimate power move. AI Strategies for Online Communities 1. Streamlined and Personalized Onboarding First impressions are essential, and AI can make the onboarding process both efficient and engaging. Automated welcome messages, sent at carefully timed intervals, can provide a warm and personalized introduction for new members. AI can also encourage profile completion by offering tailored incentives, such as access to exclusive content or surprise rewards. These strategies not only enhance participation but also establish a strong foundation for an inclusive and interactive community. By using AI, you can ensure that every new member feels valued and motivated to engage from the start. 2. Celebrating Member Achievements Acknowledging member accomplishments is a proven way to boost morale and encourage continued participation. AI tools can automate the recognition of milestones, such as completing a course or reaching a specific activity level, by awarding badges or sending personalized congratulatory messages. These visual markers, such as profile tags or achievement icons, serve as public recognition of a member's contributions. They not only enhance individual satisfaction but also inspire others to engage more actively with your community's content and activities. This creates a positive feedback loop that strengthens overall engagement. 7 AI Secrets for EPIC Online Communities Watch this video on YouTube. Gain further expertise in AI-driven online communities by checking out these recommendations. 3. Reconnecting with Inactive Members Retaining members is a common challenge for any online community, but AI can help re-engage those who have become inactive. By analyzing user activity data, AI can identify members who have not logged in or participated recently. Automated, friendly reminders—delivered via email or push notifications—can highlight the benefits of your community and invite these members to return. These messages can include personalized content, such as updates on new features or upcoming events, to reignite their interest. This proactive approach helps maintain a vibrant and active community. 4. Bridging Online and Offline Connections AI can play a pivotal role in strengthening real-world connections within your community. By encouraging members to share their location details, AI can group users into local networks or suggest nearby meetups. Automated workflows can manage these groupings, making it easier to organize in-person events or regional gatherings. This strategy is particularly effective for niche or geographically focused communities, as it fosters deeper relationships and a sense of belonging beyond the digital space. By bridging the gap between online and offline interactions, you can create a more cohesive and engaged community. 5. Rewarding Active Participation Sustaining engagement requires recognizing and rewarding your most active members. AI can monitor participation levels and automatically assign badges, levels, or other perks to top contributors. For example, you could offer temporary access to premium content, exclusive features, or special privileges as rewards for consistent activity. These incentives not only motivate members to stay engaged but also create a sense of accomplishment and belonging. By celebrating active participation, you can cultivate a culture of recognition and appreciation within your community. 6. Tailored Experiences with AI Personalization AI-powered personalization can significantly enhance the member experience by delivering content and interactions that resonate on an individual level. By analyzing user profiles and activity data, AI can craft messages and recommendations tailored to each member's preferences and interests. Additionally, AI can automate tasks such as research, outreach, and follow-ups, allowing you to build deeper connections with your community without requiring extensive manual effort. This level of personalization fosters a sense of value and relevance, making members feel more connected and invested in the community. 7. Driving Engagement Through Content Content is the cornerstone of any thriving online community, and AI can simplify its creation, curation, and distribution. For instance, AI can analyze video transcripts, blog posts, or other materials to generate discussion topics or prompts. These prompts can then be automatically posted to spark conversations and encourage interaction. AI can also recommend relevant content to members based on their activity and preferences, making sure that they remain engaged with minimal input from moderators. By maintaining a steady flow of engaging content, you can keep your community active and returning for more. Maximizing the Potential of AI in Community Management AI offers a wealth of opportunities to enhance online community management by automating processes, fostering engagement, and delivering personalized experiences. From streamlining onboarding to driving content-based discussions, these seven strategies demonstrate how AI can transform your community into a vibrant and interactive space. By adopting these techniques, you can create an environment that keeps members connected, motivated, and engaged, making sure the long-term growth and success of your online community. Media Credit: Creator Magic Filed Under: AI, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
