From: Der Spiegel
Facebook Rankings Reflect National Stereotypes
Der Spiegel:
Take a look at the most popular US Facebook pages and you could be forgiven for thinking that the stereotype of fast food-scarfing Americans is true. According to the statistics portal Socialbakers, the top 10 most popular American sites on the social networking platform include the fast-food chains McDonald’s, Taco Bell and Subway.
And the rankings for Ireland do nothing to dispel the country’s image as a nation of pint-swilling tipplers. Its top 10 Facebook pages include four alcohol brands, with no fewer than two appearances by the national beer, Guinness. Meanwhile, the sweet-toothed Brits love their Cadbury’s chocolate, if the Facebook rankings for the United Kingdom are to be believed: Half of the 10 favorite sites involve confectionary.
Many people might be surprised — or even alarmed — to find how closely the rankings of each country’s most popular Facebook pages reflect national stereotypes. But should US citizens be annoyed that their country’s most popular brands on Facebook reinforce clichés about hamburger-chomping Americans? And wouldn’t Ireland rather be recognized for something other than booze?
Read more: Der Spiegel
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