“A new Pew Research Center survey of U.S. adults finds that the social media landscape in early 2018 is defined by a mix of long-standing trends and newly emerging narratives.  …Facebook remains the primary platform for most Americans. Roughly two-thirds of U.S. adults (68%) now report that they are Facebook users, and roughly three-quarters of those users access Facebook on a daily basis.” Retrieved January 10, 2019, http://www.pewinternet.org/2018/03/01/social-media-use-in-2018 Facebook is accessed on average 8 times per day, Source: smartinsights.com/social-media-marketing/social-network-landscape-chartoftheday.  Among all Facebook users 88% access it via mobile devices.  businessofapps.com/data/facebook-statistics.  According to https://www.internetworldstats.com/unitedstates.htm#KY, Facebook users in Kentucky are nearly 50% of internet users. 

The Kenton County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development (Kelley) administered surveys to random samples of Extension users and non-users on behalf of the Kenton County Expansion and Review committee from 2014 thru 2018, compiled the survey results, and following the recommendations of the Expansion and Review committee members, sought creative ways to more actively engage parents/guardians, older youth, and volunteers through social media.  Using a University of Kentucky prop the avatar created posts information about upcoming events using banners, describes 4-H project work, suggests completing projects requirements, and has even traveled on location to 4-H events like summer camp.  The avatar provides information in a non-threatening manner and interacts with props which help describe upcoming events and meetings. Users respond favorably to the 4-H spokesavatar.  Facebook metrics confirm interaction by page users and shares of messages posted.  The fans of County 4-H Facebook page engage 50% more often with local posts than with shares from other sources.  Brief posts with pertinent information regarding meetings or deadlines ensure visibility on a mobile device for youth and adults, increasing the reliability and traffic to the page.  Likes and shares of the posts verify that fans acknowledge the information and share with others who may find the information useful.  Since April of 2018 the introduction of the spokesavatar approximately, 150 new fans are regular viewers of the information shared.

Additional information may be shared or updated after January 10, 2019   Thank you