Social media is any web-based technology that allows people to communicate and interact with one another. With the ever-increasing use of smart phones and other mobile devices, many social media applications are designed to be used ‘on the go’. While there are numerous social media applications, they are all designed to allow people to communicate in different ways. The use of social media is always growing, with some of the most recognisable brands in the world being: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Google Plus and YouTube.
As we move well into the 21st century, technology grows exponentially around us. The way we interact, learn, work, relax, shop, monitor our health, entertain ourselves, and manage the many facets of our everyday lives are all impacted by the growth of technological products, devices and advances available to us at the push of a button. With this comes job opportunities, growth in knowledge, fresh options for creativity, and new ways to exist day-to-day. Work and employment itself have changed, with technology now enabling more and more people to work remotely or from home. Social media seem to play an imperative part of people lives around the world. It is improving communication skills and relationship. Social media applications come in various form, designed to target different sectors of society.
Launched in 2003, LinkedIn is targeted solely at connecting professionals based on industry, skillsets and the job they perform. LinkedIn can be likened to the Facebook for professionals and works on a system of users ‘connecting’ with one another. Connecting can be utilised for professional networking, finding new jobs or finding suitable candidates to fill job vacancies.
Launched in 2004, Facebook is the most widely used and popular social media platform. Facebook allows users to set up a personalised page where they can then ‘friend’ each other so they can see the other person’s photographs, ‘timeline’ and interests. Once users are friends, they have the ability to ‘tag’ each other in photographs and posts. Users also have the ability to ‘like’ posts from their friends or other accounts that have been made accessible to the public.
Launch in 2005, YouTube is a video-posting and sharing platform where users can upload their own videos and also watch other videos. YouTube has a forum under each video where users can comment on the video. Users can also ‘like’ and ‘dislike’ videos and have the ability to share videos through their other social media accounts, such as Facebook or Twitter.
Launched in 2006, Twitter allows registered users to share ideas, thoughts, photographs or videos in real time with their followers. These posts are called ‘tweets’. Millions of tweets are shared around the world every day. Each user has a unique username and people can opt to ‘follow’ other people. If you follow another user, their tweets will appear on your timeline and vice versa for those who choose to follow you.
Launched in 2010, Instagram is a photograph-sharing application that is designed to be used on mobile devices such as smartphones. Like Twitter, Instagram users have a unique username and have the ability to ‘follow’ other users.
Launched in 2011, Google+ (plus) is Google’s fourth attempt to crack the social media market. Users have the ability to set up a personalised account and connect to other users by asking them to ‘hangout’. Once connected, users can be invited into ‘circles’. Circles are designed to allow members of the group to share photographs, thoughts and other information.