In today's internet related society, social media platforms have taken the world by storm. But social networking has been around for much longer than most people think. It all began with bulletin board systems (BBS), online meeting places that allowed users to communicate with each other. But of course, social media has come a long way since then. We now have the ability to make low cost phone calls, and video calls over the internet using Skype; the ability to upload, edit, and share photographs with Instagram and Flickr; the ability to 'pin' images and content to share with our friends and family via Pinterest; make, upload, and share videos via YouTube; and so much more.
In fact, there are so many different types of platforms that many have become much more than simply social media. For example, Linkedin and Google + are both platforms that many businesses and professionals use to help promote, and increase their client base, and to keep in touch with other professionals. Foursquare is a location based platform primarily used on mobile devices that can help you find fantastic places to visit. Then there is Second Life, a huge virtual world where you can create your own person (avatar) and live a life that you choose, or a life that you couldn't live in real life, all while interacting closely with other avatars.
There is also Ustream, a social platform where you can broadcast live video and watch events all while chatting to other users. Another platform that has taken the internet by storm is Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia that anybody can contribute to.
Of course, we mustn't forget the two giant social media platforms; Facebook and Twitter -- both allow you to keep in touch with family and friends while posting thoughts, pictures, videos and much more. An article about social platforms would not be complete without mentioning MySpace, although it has lost the popularity that it once had. Recently, however, Myspace was sold for $35 million dollars, which Justin Timberlake was a major investor (at an undisclosed amount). After this purchase it has been redesigned and is now geared toward musicians. By creating a target niche they may have an opportunity to come back on top.
All in all, there are dozens of social media platforms at your disposal...but the question I pose is how many should one be a part of? Thoughts?
Sources:
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1739601,00.html
http://articles.cnn.com/keyword/skype
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/jun/30/myspace-internet
I thought you made a great point in class the other day about this. Businesses should engage in an as many relevant platforms as possible. However, they need to be managed appopriately or the business's reputation can be damaged.
ReplyDeleteI like what you posted. Its funny how so many platforms are just for sharing life's experiences. I think more platforms should be used for business like Linkedin and Google+. Great overall view on social media.
ReplyDeleteI loved that you said social media started with bulletin boards. It's crazy how fast technology changes. Great post!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! You did a great job of looking at platforms that aren't of the traditional nature. Awesome job and great insight.
ReplyDeleteI like the chart that you included of the different social media sites and how they are categorized. Thanks for sharing your views on platforms. Your blog is insanely good.
ReplyDeleteI have heard of SecondLife but never knew what it was or what its purpose was until you explained it here. Wow! A whole new life! I could see this a a life-sucker to people who aren't careful about how much time they invest into it. Professor Parker suggested that we each have at least 10 different profiles on different platforms. The question then becomes, "how much time am I expected to invest into each of those profiles?". Sometimes I feel like I'd rather focus on living my real life rather than perfecting my e-life.
ReplyDeleteGreat overview of some of the most popular social media platforms!