The document defines social media as web-based platforms allowing users to create profiles, connect with others, and share content. It outlines various types of social media such as social bookmarking, social networking, forums, and media aggregators, highlighting their functions and some popular examples. Additionally, it discusses the benefits of social media for communication, marketing, and business opportunities.

1. Social Media Explained

2. Social Media Definition 1
 ‘‘Social network sites are ‘‘web-based services that
allow individuals to (1) construct a public or semipublic profile within a bounded system, (2) articulate
a list of other users with whom they share a
connection, and (3) view and traverse their list of
connections and those made by others within the
system.’’ (Boyd and Ellison, 2007)

3. Social Media Definition 2
 ‘‘Social media is like water. On its own, water does
some cool things, but when combined with other
compounds, it enabled the evolution of all forms of
life. Social media on its own is nice, but when
combined with other tools, it is enabling everything
to evolve, from communications to business to
politics to marketing.’’ (Mike Volpe)

4. Social Media Definition 3
 ‘‘Social media is a group of internet-based
applications that build on the ideological and
technological foundations of web 2.0, and allow the
creation and exchange of user generated content.’’
(Kaplan, 2009)

5. Most Popular Types of Social Media
 Social bookmarking
 Social networking
 Forums
 Media aggregators

6. Social Bookmarking
 Social bookmarking provides a search engine optimization
tool where specific topics and categories can be searched as a
result of the user generated content being classed by tags.
 Can be used for marketing research and insights.
 Users can engage with people who share similar interests by
sharing content.
 It is a form of consumer driven advertising, as customer
opinions in regards to products or brands are more likely to be
trusted than adverts provided by the companies themselves.

7. Popular social bookmarking sites
 Digg
 Reddit
 Stumbleupon
 Pininterest
 Delicious
 Youtube

8. Social Networking
 Allows real time communication with others around the world.
 Social networking has been utilized by a large percentage of brands
as it is a way of engaging with fans.
 Social networking sites can be used by companies to gain insights
into what fans like and want. It is therefore a useful marketing tool.
 People are more likely to listen to product/service reviews from
friends as opposed to the messages provided by big brands.
 Social Networking sites also allow users to share content with each
other.

9. Popular social networking sites
 Facebook
 Linkedin
 Twitter
 Google +
 Tumblr
 Instagram
 Myspace

10. Forums
 Forums allow members to discuss and engage with
others in regards to a wide variety of topics which
can range from travel, business, music, and sport to
technology and television.
 Opinions can be offered in the form of discussion
and debating for instance, as users with shared
interests can communicate as a result of web 2.0.

11. Popular forum sites
 Boards.ie
 4chan
 Digital spy

12. Media Aggregators
 Social media aggregation refers to how content is
collected from a variety of sources and made
available in one location.
 It allows social networks to be managed in one place.
 It is efficient and effective as a number of accounts
can be managed at any one time. This is particularly
useful for regular communication and updates for
example.

13. Popular media aggregators
 iTunes
 Hootsuite
 Tweetdeck
 Rebelmouse
 Prezzi

14. Benefits of social media

Keeping in touch

Showcasing ability and creativity

Interacting with like minded people

Content sharing

Business opportunities and exposure

New way for selling yourself and skills on sites such as Linkedin

New way of conducting business and engaging with loyal fans

Can be used as a management tool to store idea’s, photos, etc

Can provide companies with insights into what consumers want

Can reduce marketing expenses as campaigns can now be promoted on Youtube, Facebook, and
Twitter for example