3 Wild Ideas for Social Networking in the Future

Do you get a sense that, now that we’re all sufficiently obsessed with/weary of Twitter, we’re looking for that Next Big Thing?

Here are some of my wild ideas for what we can do next. Some of these are probably already in the works — maybe even close to reality (or in existence unbeknownst to me). What are your wild ideas?

OnStar as Social Network

What if you could send a Tweet or update your Facebook status via OnStar? A series of voice prompts would cue your network of choice. Here’s an example: “OnStar: Tweet: Traffic accident on I-485 at Rea Rd.” Other drivers could avoid congestion or suggest alternate routes. Emergency responders could monitor the Twitter stream and respond to the scene.

Or how about this: “OnStar: Yelp: Show me top-rated Italian restaurants in South Chicago.” OnStar would respond with the Top 3, along with any reviews posted by someone in your network.

Imagine the possibilities for hands-free Tweeting and networking. “Dave, this is OnStar. You have 12 new @replies.” You respond: “Show me new @replies from Twitter Group – Coworkers.”

The potential here is huge. The implications for marketing and commerce are wild to imagine.

Update: I thought I had heard rumor somewhere about this actually being in the works. Here’s the scoop on Onstar + Twitter, courtesy of Engadget.

Special Offers via Phone — Triggered by Your Location — Built for Social Media

You’ve opted-in to receive offers from your favorite retailer. The problem? The offers come via email at inconvenient hours. You’re nowhere near the retail location, and the next time you are, you’ve forgotten about the coupon.

Now imagine if your proximity to the retailer triggered an email (or text or Tweet) with a coupon for 20% off. You’d probably buy something then and there, wouldn’t you? If you could redeem the coupon by “scanning” your phone the way we scan coupons, even better.

What if your coupon had a “Tweet This” option that activated after you made a purchase. You could Tweet a discount to your friends. Maybe you could even get “Loyalty Points” if one of your friends redeems the coupon.

TV-Based Social Networking

I hate that I have to go to my computer to Tweet about a show I’m watching on TV. Can’t I just do get my networking and my entertainment on the same device?

Yes, I know…my computer already has entertainment built in. But I don’t sit down to watch the SuperBowl in front of my laptop…I watch on my big TV. There are reasons we still have TV sets (picture quality, display size, programming). Wouldn’t adding social network functionality be a huge boon for the electronics and cable industries?

Now, here’s the kicker: How would social networking on my TV set change advertising? Could the ads I see become more personalized? Could they be interactive? If I see an ad I like while watching CSI: Miami, could I click “Tweet This”? If I’m conversing with someone about an ad we’re both seeing, could the advertiser jump in and extend a special offer to us? Would we want them to?

What about tieing in on-demand content? Instead of choosing from a set list of on-demand movies, what if someone in my network could recommend a movie for download from Starz? Click a link, authorize a payment, and enjoy the show right there on your TV.

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