Getting a Grasp on Social Media

I really appreciate how this photo simplifies the vast world of social media.

The other day, my mother asked me about an edited photo she saw of me on Facebook. I told her I took it with Instagram and the conversation quickly turned into an inquisition about social media. What is Instagram? What's the point? Is it the same as Twitter? How does it end up on Facebook? Etc, etc...

This post is not meant to be condescending in any way. My mom was right to ask so many questions, because it truly is a daunting task attempting to understand all things social media. Following my conversation with her, it dawned on me just how complicated social media can appear to someone who doesn't use it on a daily basis. It can even be complicated to me at times, and I do it for a living!

In honor of my mom (and anyone else who struggles to understand social media), I decided to simplify a few of the most popular social media sites, much like the photo above does:

• Facebook: A social networking site. Allows people to create an online profile, equipped with photos, work and education information, interests and more. Once a profile is created, users can upload photos, "check in" to places that they visit, add friends, create status updates, "like" the pages of their favorite celebrities and much, much more.
• Twitter: A social networking site. Instead of "adding" friends, Twitter users "follow" people of interest. Much like the status update feature on Facebook, Twitter allows users to post their thoughts in real-time, with a 140 character limit on all "Tweets". Pictures may also be added to Twitter via TwitPic. Twitter is infamous for its popularity among celebrities and young people.
•  Foursquare: An application that can be downloaded on smartphones that allows users to "check in" to places they visit. Many companies offer special discounts to customers who "check in" on Foursquare. Users can follow friends to see their recent destinations and earn points for each "check in". Users who  frequent a certain place more often than others becomes the "Mayor" of that establishment.
• Pinterest: An interactive social site where users "Pin" aesthetically pleasing photos to various "boards". These images and boards are shared with people who follow you, who in turn have the option to Re-Pin your images to their respective boards. In short, Pinterest is a tool to spread an image around the online world in a fast, easy way.
• Youtube: A video hosting site that allows users to upload and view videos. Many people use Youtube to showcase their talents, find music videos and view how-to videos. Brands typically use Youtube as a visual promotional tool by uploading videos that display how a product works, how a product is received, etc. Anyone can create a Youtube account to either upload videos or "favorite" videos they like.
• Instagram: Originally available as an application only for users with iPhones, Instagram is now available for download on Android smartphones as well. The app. allows users to take pictures with their phone's (or iPad's) camera, then alter the photo in visually appealing ways. Instagram provides users with different filters and frames that give photos a distinct look. Users can then share the edited photos on other social media sites when they connect the sites to their Instagram account.
• LinkedIn: A social networking site for business professionals. Much like a resume, users upload information about their work skills, job titles, current positions, etc. Users can make connections with other professionals and businesses. Companies use LinkedIn as a platform for their business in an attempt to gain exposure, find new employees and discuss products and services.

I won't go into ALL social media sites for length's sake, but the seven I have explained in this post are widely regarded as the most used social media sites. I hope it helps!