1. If a tree falls in a forest, and no one is around to tweet, share a snap, check in to, pin, tag, or hashtag about it, did it really happen?
"If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" is a philosophical thought experiment that raises questions regarding observation and knowledge of reality.

2. The Taxonomy of Social Media
retrieved from: 11/21/15
As you read about the levels of engagement with social media, think about which level you are currently on. Think about your profession and the level of social media engagement that is required for you to succeed.
Engagement: From Curiosity to full integration

3. Level I - Curiosity Level I – Curiosity Entry level for social media.
Something or someone has created an interest for you in social media.
That interest is enough to get you to look and explore.
Gateway to all of the next steps in engaging in social media.

4. Level II - Lurking
Level II – Lurking Looking for knowledge to identify content and begin the early stages of understanding the rules, process and lingo of the medium.
Follow with little or no participation.
Lurking allows your curiosity to turn to knowledge.

5. Level III - Understanding
Level III – Understanding Participate and consume information. Flow of information is in one direction and allows for an opportunity to identify credible material, resources and individuals.
As understanding grows participation begins. However, I believe this is a critical point in the taxonomy.
If no gain in understanding is made and a connection to using social media made then there is no further engagement in social media.

6. Level IV - Contributing
Level IV – Contributing Gain a solid understanding of the platform tools and the ability to identify credible material, resources and individuals.
You add to the world of social media. What you add depends on your level of contribution. (It can be a Tweet or re-Tweet. Or it can be a link to an article or a blog.)
At this level the level of contribution does not matter as long as you contribute.

7. Level V - Integrating
Level V – Integrating Develop original content and infuse the use of social media into professional experiences.
A gradual integration, small at first, but will lead to its use in all aspects of your profession.

8. All Levels - Engagement
Engagement – At the core of the Taxonomy of Social Media is engagement.
No matter what level you are at, you are engaging. Engaging means absorption of material, and eventual contribution and distribution of material.
By engaging in social media you move through the 4 stages of the social media taxonomy.
Without engagement social media is static.
Engagement – active participation, commitment to grow and learn, lively interest

9. What is your Taxonomy level?
As you read about the levels of engagement with social media, think about which level you are currently on.
Think about your profession and the level of social media engagement that is required for you to succeed.
Curiosity
Lurking
Understanding
Contributing