Social Media - Video & Transcript

Transcript

Social Media is the term used to describe the greatest realm of real time social activity on the Internet today. It encapsulates digital tools and activities that enable communication and sharing across the Internet.

Social media is so popular because it provides a simple way for us to connect with each other, using the types of social behaviours we already understand. Get-togethers, events, relationships, hobbies, are all shared events that we already engage in out in the physical world, and which can be extended through these new digital technologies.

Many of the tools and applications are free, easy to use, and accessible via multiple devices, allowing people to communicate at a much faster pace than ever before. The contemporary giants, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr are just a few of the many social media websites that populate the Internet. Blogs, wikis, chat rooms, and tools that enable people to share ideas, pictures and videos, are all included in the term “Social Media”.

People of all ages use social media. Sometimes, it’s the first real point of contact a person has with the Internet.

Some people see social media as the ultimate way to express themselves. Others choose to keep a lower profile simply following the activities of friends, and tracking news and events. Others still are highly cautious of the privacy issues arising from sharing and storing personal information across the Internet.

Television programs such as Q&A use social media to encourage viewers to participate by submitting comments and questions via Twitter. News services rely on eyewitness accounts of events via mobile phone images and video. Families divided by geography can share a more constant relationship using online video tools.

Social media is used prolifically by all areas of society; business, politics, media, advertising, police and emergency services. It has also become a key tool for provoking thought, dialogue and action around particular social issues. Or you can simply share your experience of a great meal, movie, novel, or theatre performance.

It’s no exaggeration to say that the practice of social media has woven itself into the fabric of modern life so intrinsically that it is the connection between the digital and physical worlds for hundreds of millions of people around the world.