???????? We cannot agree more! Digital diplomacy is about authenticity, trust, and long-lasting partnerships. We at the Italian Embassy believe engaging with platforms, creators, and influencers is key. Conversations like the one we hosted earlier this week one only prove this! Thanks to all who participated. Grazie mille!
Co-Founder of Social Driver, Chairman of National Digital Roundtable, Host of Chief Influencer Podcast
What can a Senate staffer, a diplomat and a policy wonk all learn from a Real Housewife? I promise you, this isn't the set-up to a joke. The answer is: "Authenticity is key." In Washington, it seems like everyone is grappling with how to break through in today's changing media landscape. Embassy of Italy in the US was kind enough to host National Digital Roundtable and Social Driver yet again as part of their Digital Diplomacy series. Art and pop culture have impacted politics and public opinion for thousands of years. But unlike when it took months or years to create a masterpiece, content can be created and shared instantaneously from our phones. Here are a few of my takeaways from this fascinating discussion: ?? Traditional organizations are embracing creators and influencers more than ever before. But many struggle with exactly how to navigate this new media environment. ?? Authenticity is key - we heard this lesson from Wendy Osefo, PhD, a Reality TV star from the Bravo TV Real Housewives who is also a political activist and professor of political scientist. ?? When working with creators, we have to understand the difference between brand-building (which takes time, trust and relationships) versus amplification (which can be tactical and transactional). ?? Some technology platforms - several of which were present with us - are shifting their view on content moderation, embracing "community notes" from their audiences. ?? Whether working with creators or producing our own content, we all have to remember that "social media" is not a monolith, and that platforms have many differences we must understand and embrace. Many thanks to NDR advisory board member Andreas Sandre for yet another successful event and our photographer James Minichello for capturing it so well. If you are interested in hosting one of our roundtables, reach out to Andreas or me.