The Many Faces of Social Media

Wednesday, July 8, 2015
While most of us are only aware of one aspect of social media, which involves connecting with friends and family of social sites like Facebook and Twitter, it would be enlightening to discover just how multifaceted social media really is. There are several aspects that form a part of social communities. Some of the most common facets are explained further.
• Confluence of common interests - Social media can be used to connect with people who share common interests with you. There are websites that are wholly dedicated to a particular set of interests, such as reading, or music. There are other sites that cater to a variety of interests, and users can choose their options accordingly. It is a trend that can bring together people with common hobbies, with hardly any effort on their part.
• Publishing platforms - Social media has taken publishing content to a different level altogether. With every aspect of life becoming dependent on technology, publishing content on blog sites and micro blogging media has become a popular trend. Users can publish and share all kinds of content, whether written content, art, photography, or even videos, by means of social media.
• Discussion groups and forums - Social media has also managed to replace the traditional forms of debate and discussion. People can share and exchange collective knowledge, hold discussions on topics for hours on end, and even debate issues just like in normal life. Discussions can also be held in a question and answer format, so that people with queries can post their questions, and anyone with an answer can help out.
• Reviews and ratings - Reviews and ratings can help people living in a particular locality learn more about the restaurants, events, and other happenings in their area. It can also impart knowledge about services, movies, books, and just about any other thing. This goes a long way in helping novices make informed decisions. It also helps to genuinely promote a product or service.
• Ecommerce solutions - Shopping is now just a click away. This is one of the hottest trends on social media these days. Websites promote their discounts and offers on such media, and this lures more customers with each passing day. There are also social media sites that are entirely dedicated to this activity. An added advantage of this feature is that customers can review the products purchased, and rate the sellers and suppliers. It is one of the important things to remember.