Social Media and Social Networking

A Social networking service (also social networking site, SNS or social media) is an online platform that is used by people to build social networks or social relations with other people who share similar personal or career interests, activities, backgrounds or real-life connections. The variety of stand-alone and built-in social networking services currently available in the online space introduces challenges of definition; however, there are some common features: (1) social networking services are Web 2.0 internet-based applications, (2) user-generated content (UGC) is the lifeblood of SNS organisms, (3) users create service-specific profiles for the site or app that are designed and maintained by the SNS organization, and (4) social networking services facilitate the development of online social networks by connecting a user’s profile with those of other individuals and/or groups. Most social network services are web-based and provide means for users to interact over the Internet, such as by e-mail and instant messaging and online forums. Social networking sites are varied and they incorporate a range of new information and communication tools such as availability on desktop and laptops, mobile devices such as tablet computers and smart phones, digital photo/video/sharing and “web logging” diary entries online (blogging). Online community services are sometimes considered a social network service, though in a broader sense, social network service usually means an individual-centered service whereas online community services are group-centered. Social networking sites allow users to share ideas, digital photos and videos, posts, and inform others about online or real world activities and events with people in their network. While in-person social networking, such as gathering in a village market to talk about events has existed since the earliest developments of towns, the Web enables people to connect with others who live in different locations, ranging from across a city to across the world. Depending on the social media platform, members may be able to contact any other member.