Mario Tascón is one of the `fathers of the Internet in Spain. This specialist in digital media, social networks, data journalism and new narratives has created his base camp at Prodigioso Volcán, a strategic consulting company. He directs the “Manual of Spanish for the Internet, social networks and new media” of the Foundation for Urgent Spanish (Fundéu). His latest recognition: the iRedes Individual Category Award, “for his journalistic and digital career and for teaching us to write and watch on Twitter and on the Internet.” Shortly before receiving the award in Burgos, at the III Ibero-American Congress of Social Networks , he answered some Very Interesting questions.
Very Interesting: What trends would you highlight in the development of social networks in the near future?
Mario Tascón: It seems that social networks are staying with us. The networks themselves evolve so it is difficult to make that forecast. In terms of use it will grow, there is specialization of those uses in some cases.
MI : How are new devices affecting the way information is presented and how we interact in the online environment?
Mario Tascón: There are two very obvious effects: greater use in times of mobility and therefore away from “fixed” computers and a new type of multi-screen consumption (TV + iPad, computer + mobile, etc.).
MI: What devices will shape the future? Do you see us using Google Glass in a massive way, for example?
Mario Tascón: We will have more and more touch screens and possibly some devices to take advantage of augmented reality, but mobile phones and tablets can also be used for this without the need for glasses.
MI: A golden rule for writing well on Twitter… And something you should never do.
Mario Tascón: Be precise, find the most appropriate word and simplify the message. As for what you should never do, you should never write in a confusing way or with spelling mistakes.
MI: What actions or what social media profiles have you liked lately?
Mario Tascón: Many. I love people with a sense of humor. There are many women journalists who in their media do not have relevant positions and instead, due to their ingenuity and their development on Twitter, they should direct the newspapers, radios, televisions and websites in which they work.
MI : When do you think 4G will arrive and how do you think it will affect us?
Mario Tascón: Will we do things even faster? 🙂
