Understanding Social Media – Plain and Simple

Through conversations with many people, I have come to realize that there are many who do not understand social media, or what it is all about. Some have the perception of this being a new phenomenon that was just created the day before yesterday.

Now we can get into an in-depth discussion about this that could go on for hours but for me, it simply means that two components of life have been melded together. You have the social component, where people can share ideas by networking and you have the media component, which is the publishing of content.

Together you have the networking of people and the sharing of published content, social media.

Am I oversimplifying this and have missed the point myself, or is it really that plain and simple?

Maybe I’m just simple. 

In any case, people from around the globe meet up at social networking sites, like Twitter and Facebook, and share published content and ideas which create and extend conversations about specific topics.

Even greater, there is the opportunity to expand or otherwise add to the published content, blogging being a prime example.

Now I realize that social media is also used for marketing which then makes it a tool, but what I have described above is the very essence of the term and the tool.

The offline life has comes online

When we go to a party or social event at a nice banquet hall or other venue we mingle with others and share all sort of ideas and stories.

As you walk around the room, stop and join various conversations. You don’t just stand there, you add to the conversation. Most times people add something positive,  and sometimes controversy is introduced. But just like a blog post, the conversation has been extended by the input of others.

Continuing with the party analogy;

• There are those in attendance who will tell you what they do for a living and pass you their business card in hopes of attracting you to their list (product pitch).
• Some will even pass out those business cards to everyone in sight (spammer).
• You may tell a friend about a problem you are having in hopes of finding a solution (search engine).
• As mentioned above, networking and adding to conversations (comments).
• Too many cocktails may lead to negative and unruly behavior (malware).
• You return to your original guest and rejoin that conversation (backups)

Okay, not all gatherings are like that, but hopefully you get my point.

The online version has no physical constraints because you can move on to another venue with the click of a mouse. But the party is a good example of meeting people, answering questions, sharing knowledge and helping others.

Social media is just the online version of the same, except it’s BYOB!

At the end of the day, it is all about being a member of the community, gaining the trust and respect of those you encounter and sharing a positive experience.

In an upcoming article I will talk about the different types of parties social media.

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