Updates on Social Media Products

What’s New in Social Media?

A Glance at Social Media

Social media is one of the world’s largest interactive pastimes. The system is identified as an online platform that prompts interactive dialogue between individuals. It’s primary purpose is to exchange feedback on products, activities, services, people, and communities. Millions of online users are currently tuned into at least one of these communication techniques.

There’s a variety of forms that represent social media, such as Internet forums, webzines, blogs, videos, ebooks, photographs, and podcasts. Many of these features are grouped together through social networking sites that dominate the information age, such as Facebook or Myspace. Other social media tools are found on microblogging or blog sites like Twitter and WordPress, or content communities, such as Youtube and Tumblr. In these mediums, users communicate with each other by emailing, tagging links and posts, picture or video-sharing, blogging, instant messaging, or exchanging music.

Social media isn’t to be confused with traditional media which involves newspapers, mail-order catalogues, magazines, film and television. One of the biggest distinctions between the two platforms is that social media is generally not as costly (users typically can join and publish information free of charge) and doesn’t require the aquisition of as many resources to maintain the interactive environment. However, both types of platforms know how to reach broad audiences and manage membership effectively.

One of the major downfalls of social media is its tendency to heighten addiction among users. Heavy reliance on these platforms may give a sense of false pride, social authority, and/or negative characteristics that threaten the well-being of individuals, as well as society.

Social Media’s Beginning

It’s not safe to assume that social media began with the emergence ofFriendster and LinkedIn. Although both platforms have made huge contributions to online communication, interactive systems on the Internet were initially introduced in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Back then, emailing and basic bulletin board systems were popular, particularly among growing businesses.

The first social networking sites emerged and enjoyed some acclaim in the mid-1990’s until the devastating crash of the stock markets in 2000 resulted in web entreprenuers having to start up the corporate ladder again. A couple years later, social networking landed back on its feet as more inventions arrived on the scene. Out of several, Facebookand Twitter remain among the most used. Although many platforms have come and gone, several social media outlets continue to hit new marks in the industry and claim new members everyday.

Video Hosting Service

Besides social networking sites, video hosting services have become a major highlight in social media. These platforms are also referred to as video sharing websites and have benefited users who don’t have cable service on their televisions or unlimited web space. Individuals who use these sites upload videos for user feedback and/or view others’ videos.

Currently, the most popular video hosting services are YouTube and Vimeo. Both frequently hire individuals to manage the videos that posted to the site and check for inappropriate content. Those who master the art of video and gain recognition for the most successful video are often aspiring film professionals who eventually enhance their craft by furthering their education. Film schools in California, for instance, recruit serious individuals who want to advance their knowledge of the entertainment industry.

Picture Sharing Websites

Additionally, picture-sharing websites are a commonality. Users upload their latest photographs to reputable sites, such as Tumblr and Flickr, and/or review pictures that have been posted by other members. Many aspiring photographers gain basic experience and helpful feedback from their involvement with such social media sites. It’s also a good way to begin building a portfolio that effectively markets your most recent work.

E-books

The publication of ebooks has flourished over the last few years. These products are book-length works that contain the ingredients of a traditional book but are sold and viewed online. Many individuals use their personal computers and laptops or cellular phones to read e-books. The earliest version of this product was introduced in the 1970’s, although e-books didn’t receive much commercial recognition until late 1990’s. Today, the world’s most prominent e-book models include Amazon’s Kindle and Apple’s iBook, which is built into the iPad.

Blogs

Lastly, blogs have taken the information age by storm. This online activity emerged in the 1990’s and rapidly development into a powerful platform used for promoting ideas, products, and services. One of most well-known blogging sites is WordPress, and several bloggers perform the activity on their own personal websites to gain solid readership.

Weblogs often have a wide host of topics, ranging from funny blogs and creative blogs to instructional how-to blogs or medical blogs. The practice is often considered to be equivalent to journal-writing on a regular basis. Although most of these platforms are subjective, several bloggers adhere to a code of conduct when creating their work in order to maintain a non-offensive, reader-friendly atmosphere.

Lyndsey Ellis is a freelance writer for numerous sites including Article Writing Services.