I get asked this question a lot. Usually by people, who are new to the subject, or by people who have just heard of it by different names. Well, let me shed some light on it.
So, you’ve never heard of Social Media. But have you heard web 2.0? New Media? Media 2.0? Basically, all these buzzwords are just different terms for one thing: a new use of the Internet as a place where people can interact. This is the reason why I use the term Social Media – though not perfect, it best describes the underlying spirit of the phenomenon: social interaction through and in (online) media.
In Part 1 of this Mini-Series I will introduce you to some of the main characteristics that establish online platforms as Social Media as well as some examples for Social Media applications.
How can you tell it’s a Social Media website?
If you are on a Social Media website, it will contain one or more of the following characteristics:
You can easily
- Share information or content
- Share and create content
- Share and create knowledge
- Express your opinion
- Create a personal profile
- Become part of a network
Some examples of how these characteristics are used in practice are the following:
- Blogs – a form of online diary on a certain topic (like this one)
- Vlogs – a video blog: a way to share videos you create or find online with others
- Online TV – broadcast your own original TV shows on your website
- Podcasts – broadcasting your own radio show online
- Photoblogs – sharing photos online
- Wikis – a database of knowledge created by users
This not a complete list; there are many other things that can define a site as a Social Media website (like for instance a rating system – see also my posts on Amazon.com). And while you can incorporate any of these into your own website, there are a number of Social Media platforms that provide a space for social networking and sharing of different types of content already.
What are the most prominent Social Media networks?
These are some examples of influential Social Media networks:
MySpace – a place where you can create a profile and add friends online. Especially popular with teenagers and expatriates. It has also helped a lot of bands to gain popularity, success and record label deals.
Facebook – a place to connect and stay in touch with friends online. It started off as a networking platform for College and University students, but rapidly gained popularity in the US and Canada, and subsequently worldwide. Very popular with people in their Twenties.
YouTube – a video share platform that enables users to upload, share and rate videos. YouTube has quickly developed into a very influential platform transforming the way people watch, rate and promote video content. It is not only a platform for obscure home videos, but also an important tool for large TV networks and film studios to promote old and new content, as well as discover trends and fresh talent. People all over the world in a wide range of demographics use YouTube regularly.
Wikipedia – an online encyclopaedia that is created and constantly updated by its users. Anyone can contribute, and a committee works on making sure that the content is verified. It relies on the wisdom of the crowds.
Fickr – a network to upload and share photos.
Twitter – a site where you can send brief messages via sms, the website or an application to people who want to receive them (also via sms, the website, RSS, or an application).
Second Life – a virtual world where users can interact like in the real world once they have created an avatar (a virtual profile). Though often described as a game, it really is just a virtual Social Networking platform.
These forums are just a selection of popular sites – there are many more like these and plenty popping up every day for all sorts of topics. If you can think of something that interests you, you can be certain there is a network either already devoted to it, emerging, or a pool of people waiting to share their ideas on it.
Next time on Social Media 101. Another Mini-Series (Part 2): Why should you use Social Media for business and personal communication. Be sure to tune in.