After studying this chapter you will be able to understand: What is social media? The death of control, fewer gatekeepersm, fragmentation, new web landscape, new journalism, how big is social media in the UK? social media impact, social media: differentiating your unique brand, enhance social media with cross links, tips to enhance social media platforms,. | ProfessionalPracticesin Information Technology HandBook COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (Virtual Campus) Islamabad, Pakistan Lecture 10 Social Media and its Impacts on Society What Is Social Media? Social media is the use of web-based technologies allowing the creation and exchange of user-generated content. Blending of technology and social, the “social” in social media implies a conversation. The difference between social media and the TV is that with the latter, viewers seldom engage with the programme-makers of the show that they are watching. Only in very recent times have programme makers expanded into the world of social media. Think X-Factor. Figure : Famous Social Medias The Central Office of Information () said the following in its 2009 publication “Engaging through Social Media”: “Social media is a term used to refer to online technologies and practices that are used to share opinions and information, promote discussion and build relationships. Social media services and tools involve a combination of technology, telecommunications and some kind of social interaction. They can use a variety of different formats, for example text, pictures, video and audio”. Social media is different to traditional forms of communication such as through newspapers, television, and film. Cheap – anyone with access to the internet (for example through public libraries) Accessible – the tools are easy to use Enabling – allows almost anyone to do things that previously were only the preserve of well-resourced organisations The use of the word “Social” implies a conversation. Social media is definitely not about one-way communication to a large audience from big organisations. Megatrends 1 – The death of control Figure : The death of control Megatrends 2 – Fewer gatekeepers Figure : Fewer gatekeepers Megatrends 3 – Fragmentation Figure : Fragmentation Megatrends 4 – New web landscape Figure : New web landscape Megatrends 5 – New journalism Figure : New journalism How big is social media in the UK? Figure : Social Media (UK) Social Media Impact Social networks are moving towards payments on those platforms ( Face book or using Bit coins). Payments (especially mobile) are making connections with social networks similar to how PayPal revolutionized industry. Social Media can quickly and positively or adversely affect company reputation. Linked In: : 100mm users worldwide, 44mm US Face book: : 175mm users worldwide Twitter: : 200mm users worldwide That’s great for the industry, but why am I utilizing Social Media? Industry knowledge: Almost impossible to keep up with all industry publications, becoming connected helps pinpoint hot issues. Building a personal brand: Keep your contacts and maintain knowledge even when changing companies or careers, develops a more comprehensive skill set. Becoming more effective at networking: A large network helps you connect to people even when you can’t help them personally, networks should expand beyond core business contacts and companies Professional Practices in Information Technology CSC 110
