[nkjnlknlk]

> Is there any evidence that this is true or should be an expectation? Is that really why billions of dollars are spent on this space?

Yes. If people only used social media to connect/follow people they know the industry would be making nothing.

[akira2501]

This only makes sense if you assume large national conglomerates are the norm. If they weren't, then the industry could make _plenty_ of money off a much larger base of small to medium businesses advertising to local citizens.