A Simple Summary of What Social Media Is
Human beings have always had networks for socializing with others.
A few years ago, various subjects were discussed while waiting in line, over the back fence, or during a hair cut.
Experiences, both positive and negative, with local stores, repairmen, or restaurants were transmitted among acquaintances.
Naturally, not many others could be reached by this one on one relationship.
It is, however, an instance of what social media is without mass communication.
The Internet brought sweeping changes, bringing social networking to a global level.
Now, a customer can, within minutes, let millions of others know whether he is happy or unhappy with his experience.
One very popular site is Twitter.
Users post "tweets", which are short comments about whatever topic they choose.
These comments can be read by others, using either an Internet connection or a cell phone.
Facebook, with more than 400 million users worldwide, is the largest social site.
Users create a page about themselves and their interests.
They can upload photos, which may be public or accessible only by those who have been granted permission.
Messages can be posted for the public or only for friends, and the site is reached via a cell phone application or at the website.
Foursquare combines social networking with marketing to a higher degree than some of the other sites.
Users check in at restaurants, attractions, theaters, or other locations.
Their location is monitored through the GPS unit in their cell phones.
Businesses reward users through discounts, points, or rewards for loyalty.
Many businesses did not initially know how to incorporate the new forms of social media with their marketing campaigns.
Some deluged the networks with blatant advertising, which actually had a negative effect.
Over time, most corporations have shifted the focus from advertising to building relationships with customers.
Many corporations have one or more employees who monitor the social networks for posts about the company or the brands it sells.
Action is taken when a derogatory entry is found, and the company intervenes to correct the issue for the customer.
Public relations actions such as this show thousands or even millions that the company is responsive to the needs of the consumers.
No doubt, social media will continue to expand, both in the number of sites and in variety.
More users from around the world will join, connecting in ways impossible only a couple of decades ago.
The social sites have, on occasion, been the only source of current events in areas with a media blackout.
They will likely continue to prove popular with both users and businesses wishing to reach them.
A few years ago, various subjects were discussed while waiting in line, over the back fence, or during a hair cut.
Experiences, both positive and negative, with local stores, repairmen, or restaurants were transmitted among acquaintances.
Naturally, not many others could be reached by this one on one relationship.
It is, however, an instance of what social media is without mass communication.
The Internet brought sweeping changes, bringing social networking to a global level.
Now, a customer can, within minutes, let millions of others know whether he is happy or unhappy with his experience.
One very popular site is Twitter.
Users post "tweets", which are short comments about whatever topic they choose.
These comments can be read by others, using either an Internet connection or a cell phone.
Facebook, with more than 400 million users worldwide, is the largest social site.
Users create a page about themselves and their interests.
They can upload photos, which may be public or accessible only by those who have been granted permission.
Messages can be posted for the public or only for friends, and the site is reached via a cell phone application or at the website.
Foursquare combines social networking with marketing to a higher degree than some of the other sites.
Users check in at restaurants, attractions, theaters, or other locations.
Their location is monitored through the GPS unit in their cell phones.
Businesses reward users through discounts, points, or rewards for loyalty.
Many businesses did not initially know how to incorporate the new forms of social media with their marketing campaigns.
Some deluged the networks with blatant advertising, which actually had a negative effect.
Over time, most corporations have shifted the focus from advertising to building relationships with customers.
Many corporations have one or more employees who monitor the social networks for posts about the company or the brands it sells.
Action is taken when a derogatory entry is found, and the company intervenes to correct the issue for the customer.
Public relations actions such as this show thousands or even millions that the company is responsive to the needs of the consumers.
No doubt, social media will continue to expand, both in the number of sites and in variety.
More users from around the world will join, connecting in ways impossible only a couple of decades ago.
The social sites have, on occasion, been the only source of current events in areas with a media blackout.
They will likely continue to prove popular with both users and businesses wishing to reach them.
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