Bill Nye the Social Media Influencer Guy!
Consider the Following: Two-Step Flow Theory
“Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill!”
Let’s all take a minute to appreciate Bill Nye the Science Guy! America’s favorite science-based personality and one of my childhood (and adulthood) heroes.
Watching Bill Nye the Science Guy episodes on VHS will always be some of my favorite early 2000’s memories. Even years later, his videos helped me prepare for my college Geology final!
Now, he’s a celebrity social media influencer with millions of followers across major platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. As a fan since 2001, I like to think of myself as one of his earliest “followers.”
America’s favorite bow-tie wearing science guy has worked hard to establish credibility in the physical sciences and in our hearts.
His goal has always been influencing young Americans to consider science by teaching in ways that makes science cool!
His mission:
He’s still at it today! This science guy is no longer a mere celebrity or social icon.
Nuh-uh.
He’s an opinion leader!
By definition of the Two-Step Flow theory, Bill Nye takes information from the media and shares it directly with his followers. This mass communication theory is effective in calling greater attention to an issue and influencing people to hold specific opinions about it.
So, what exactly makes Bill Nye an opinion leader?
Opinion leaders are people with expertise or influence in a specific area.
They have established authority in a given area, market, or industry.
Active and trusted in a given community.
Sounds a lot like an influencer, right? Right!
As social media has grown, the Two-Step Flow theory recognizes social media influencers as modern-day opinion leaders. Of course, Bill Nye has been an opinion leader his entire career. Social media is simply taking his influence to a new level!
Bill Nye the Science Guy’s social media posts are filled with updates on media news ranging from science to politics. If you don’t follow him already, you really should.
He’s out here doing all sorts of cool stuff like advocating for climate change and using his influence to persuade people to care about the Earth!
This guy is telling people to wear a mask and get their flu shot! He means business.
He isn’t shy about sharing his political opinions and encourages others to #VoteForScience! His posts also contain lots of important resources for his followers to take action.
Of course, our favorite sci-guy always keeps us updated on the latest science news! What would we do without him?
He even has t-shirts! How can anyone say no to that face? So credible, so trusting, so “opinion-leadery.” That’s it, I’m buying one.
So, consider the following: who are you influenced by?
