Social media refers to internet and mobile-based tools that allow people to share information, photos, videos, and audio. This sharing and interaction between people helps form shared meanings and perspectives within communities. There are five key characteristics of social media: participation, openness, conversation, community, and connectedness. Social media conversations occur on sites like Facebook, blogs, podcasts and wikis and can take place between customers, employees, investors, and others. These conversations are not organized or controlled and can provide insight into markets by listening to different perspectives.

1. By Alex Lowe

2. Which is also a social media site! : Social media are primarily Internet- and mobile-based tools for sharing and discussing information among human beings. The term most often refers to activities that integrate technology, telecommunications and social interaction, and the construction of words, pictures, videos and audio. This interaction, and the manner in which information is presented, depends on the varied perspectives and "building" of shared meaning among communities, as people share their stories and experiences.

9. Online journals