Social Media Definition

Social Media Definition

Social media is any online media platform that provides content for users and also allows users to participate in the creation or development of the content in some way. In the social media arena, people are encouraged to participate with the content by sharing and commenting on the media. This is a relatively new idea in the content publishing world. Whereas newspapers, radio, and television are non-interactive user mediums, social media provides an atmosphere for consumers to participate with the content, writers, and other consumers.

Social Media Definition

Social Media Definition vs. Traditional Media Definition

The biggest difference between social media and traditional media is how the information is delivered and consumed.

With traditional media one message is published through a one-way communication stream to the masses, whether through print or radio/television. After the message goes out it stops there, there is no further expansion of the message.

Social media publishes a message through a two-way communication stream to an audience that has chosen in some way to receive information from that particular stream. This message can then garner a response from the audience to comment on the message, add to the message, and even share the message with others that may find it of interest. In this way the message continues to evolve and spread as it transmits through social channels.

(Image by greeblie)

Social Media Definition

Social Media Definition