PowerPoint presentation Exploring social media PowerPoint presentation Handout 1 Social media
Assessment criteria The learner will: 2.1 Describe how various social media sites may be used by groups, individuals, businesses and organisations
Introduction to social media Social media is the “group of internet-based applications that build on the ideological and technological foundations of Web 2.0, and that allow the creation and exchange of user-generated content.” Kaplan and Haenlein Social media sites are (generally) free to subscribers who may then use them to exchange information and interact with other subscribers.
Social media compared to traditional media Single source – many receivers Professional content Controlled Top-down Passive One-way communication Traditional media sources are TV, radio, newspapers, books, etc. Single source – many receivers: eg a newspaper is printed by its publisher and sold to its many readers; a TV channel broadcasts its programmes to many viewers. Professional content: the sources of media are paid professionals. Controlled: the content is structured and controlled in the messages the broadcaster intends to transmit. Top-down, passive, one-way communication: messages are transmitted from the single source down to its many readers, viewers and listeners. There is little or no opportunity for interaction.
Social media compared to traditional media Many sources – many receivers User-generated content Unstructured Bottom-up Active Two-way communication Many sources – many receivers: as an active form of media, everyone can be a source and a receiver. User-generated content: anyone using social media can post content, making it two-way communication. Bottom-up: social media allows those who were traditionally the receivers of information to generate information. There are several instances of high social media activity forcing traditional media broadcasters to take an interest in previously unreported crimes and trials. In situations of emergency or chaos, bottom-up reporting via social media has succeeded where traditional media sources have failed to provide enough information quickly enough (eg during the floods in the Balkans in September 2014). Unstructured: messages are based on individuals’ opinions rather than any controlled bias. Traditional broadcasters may slant their messages according to their purpose.
Types of social media Blogs/microblogs Business networks Forums/chat rooms Products/services review Interest catalogues/bookmarking Social networks Video/photo sharing Gaming/virtual worlds
Blogs/microblogs Blogs and microblogs are forms of online journal. Blog examples include: The Huffington Post Microblog examples include: Twitter Plurk Blogs require the user to set up a website platform using, for example: WordPress Blogger Microblogs often restrict word usage on subscribers’ opinions and comments.
Business networks For making business contacts and professional networking. Examples include: LinkedIn Xing
Forums/chat rooms Forums are topic-led (known as threads) and provide the opportunity for users to give and receive answers. They can be set up by individuals, groups and organisations, creating a community of interested subscribers. Many are features of organisations’ websites. Examples include: The Student Room Slick Deals
Products/services review Consumers post their reviews and comments about products and services, allowing others to make informed purchasing decisions. Examples include: TripAdvisor Reviews.co.uk
Interest catalogues/bookmarking Allow subscribers to save content posted by others according to their interests. Allow photo sharing and interaction of users. The sites use algorithms to suggest other items of interest based on the user’s choices. Examples include: Pinterest Stumbleupon
Social networks Interactive networking with friends. Examples include: Facebook Google+ Also romantic networking: Match.com
Video/photo sharing Allows users to view, share and upload videos and photos. Examples include: YouTube Flickr
Gaming/virtual worlds Sites which allow Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) where a large number of players create their own characters and interact in a virtual world. Examples include: Kaneva Smallworlds
Overlapping purposes Many social media sites combine purposes: Photo sharing and social interaction Product review and advice forums
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